PM Narendra Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-biggest-diaspora-event-in-us-on-sunday-trump-to-address-indian-american-community-251035">‘Howdy, Modi!’</a> event, had a ‘fruitful interaction’ with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting on day one of his US visit, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said early Sunday.

This is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-inaugurate-gandhi-solar-park-at-united-nations-on-september-24-251102">Prime Minister</a>'s first engagement during his ongoing, a week-long US trip.

"Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector," Prime Minister's Office tweeted informing about the meeting.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) &nbsp;also posted photographs from the meeting, which was attended by the CEOs of some top oil companies based in the United States.

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Further energising India-USA friendship. 
 
Among the first engagements of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. 
 
India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector. <a href="https://t.co/uqlozcTOAZ">pic.twitter.com/uqlozcTOAZ</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1175554596716064768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale are also present in the meeting.US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster was also seen during the meeting.

"It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

"Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG," he added.&nbsp;

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It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! 
 
Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector. 
 
Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. <a href="https://t.co/COEGYupCEt">pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175600120693428225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch: PM Modi meets with oil-sectors CEOs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-meets-with-oil-sectors-ceos-251108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the sidelines of Prime Minister Modi's meeting energy sector CEO's in Houston, US liquefied natural gas (LNG) developer Tellurian and Indian energy sector company Petronet sign MOUs for up to five million tonnes of LNG through equity investment in Driftwood.

Tellurian and Petronet announced that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to five million tonnes per annum (5 mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment,

Tellurian and Petronet will endeavour to finalize the transaction agreements by 31 March 2020.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived Houston where he is scheduled to address over 50,000 Indian diasporas at mega Howdy Modi event.

On September 22, Modi will deliver his address at 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue.

(With inputs from ANI)

PM Narendra Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday for the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event, had a ‘fruitful interaction’ with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting on day one of his US visit, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said early Sunday.

PM Narendra Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday for the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event, had a ‘fruitful interaction’ with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting on day one of his US visit, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said early Sunday. This is Prime Minister's first engagement during his ongoing, a week-long US trip. "Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector," Prime Minister's Office tweeted informing about the meeting. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also posted photographs from the meeting, which was attended by the CEOs of some top oil companies based in the United States. Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector. pic.twitter.com/uqlozcTOAZ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 21, 2019 × External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale are also present in the meeting.US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster was also seen during the meeting. "It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector," PM Modi tweeted. "Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG," he added. It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector. Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019 × Watch: PM Modi meets with oil-sectors CEOs On the sidelines of Prime Minister Modi's meeting energy sector CEO's in Houston, US liquefied natural gas (LNG) developer Tellurian and Indian energy sector company Petronet sign MOUs for up to five million tonnes of LNG through equity investment in Driftwood. Tellurian and Petronet announced that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to five million tonnes per annum (5 mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment, Tellurian and Petronet will endeavour to finalize the transaction agreements by 31 March 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived Houston where he is scheduled to address over 50,000 Indian diasporas at mega Howdy Modi event. On September 22, Modi will deliver his address at 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Narendra Modi held ‘fruitful interaction’ with energy sector CEOs in Houston, says MEA

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston has said that the relationship between India and Houston is a very 'strong one' and 'Howdy, Modi' going to be a very big event.

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Aditi Tyagi, Turner said that there is a growing synergy between the city of Houston and&nbsp;relationship between both countries is constantly growing.

Talking about US President Donald Trump sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Howdy, Modi!' event&nbsp;he said that this is a big global event and there will be presence of numerous dignitaries including Governors and Congressmen at the gathering.

Watch: WION speaks to the Mayor of Houston

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-us-visit-wion-speaks-to-the-mayor-of-houston-251107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We respect PM Modi's decision to visit Houston. the city is honoured to have him.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to showcase India-US ties. India is the fourth leading trading partner of the city of Houston. We respect PM Modi's decision to visit the city," the Mayor added.

With a population of more than 200 thousand Indian-Americans, Houston is emerging as a new hub for the Indian community.

Indians are among the most respected communities in Houston with many making an impact in business and public life along with philanthropic and charitable causes.

PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diasporas today in Houston in an event called 'Howdy, Modi'.

The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston has said that the relationship between India and Houston is a very 'strong one' and 'Howdy, Modi' going to be a very big event.

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston has said that the relationship between India and Houston is a very 'strong one' and 'Howdy, Modi' going to be a very big event. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Aditi Tyagi, Turner said that there is a growing synergy between the city of Houston and relationship between both countries is constantly growing. Talking about US President Donald Trump sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Howdy, Modi!' event he said that this is a big global event and there will be presence of numerous dignitaries including Governors and Congressmen at the gathering. Watch: WION speaks to the Mayor of Houston "We respect PM Modi's decision to visit Houston. the city is honoured to have him. "This is an opportunity to showcase India-US ties. India is the fourth leading trading partner of the city of Houston. We respect PM Modi's decision to visit the city," the Mayor added. With a population of more than 200 thousand Indian-Americans, Houston is emerging as a new hub for the Indian community. Indians are among the most respected communities in Houston with many making an impact in business and public life along with philanthropic and charitable causes. PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diasporas today in Houston in an event called 'Howdy, Modi'. The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

India and the city of Houston share a strong relationship: Mayor Sylvester Turner

North Korea's chief negotiator in talks with the United States welcomed Donald Trump's suggestion of trying a "new method" in negotiations, and hailed the exit of his hawkish national security advisor.

The US President had fired John Bolton last week, revealing deep divisions between the two on major foreign policy issues including nuclear talks with Pyongyang.

Trump on Thursday said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang, which have been deadlocked since the collapse of his second summit with Kim Jong Un collapsed in February.

Kim Myong Gil, Pyongyang's top delegate for working-level negotiations with Washington, said the comment underscored a "political perception and disposition peculiar to President Trump", calling it a "wise political decision" in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

"At the moment I am not quite sure what he implied in his suggestion of 'new method'," he added.

"It seems he wanted to imply that a step-by-step solution starting with the things feasible first while building trust in each other would be the best option."

Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- who was killed after being deposed in 2011.

Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly".

Kim Myong Gil described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker who used to face everything out of his anachronistic way of thinking".

North Korea and the United States agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging".

There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

North Korea's chief negotiator in talks with the United States welcomed Donald Trump's suggestion of trying a "new method" in negotiations, and hailed the exit of his hawkish national security advisor.

North Korea's chief negotiator in talks with the United States welcomed Donald Trump's suggestion of trying a "new method" in negotiations, and hailed the exit of his hawkish national security advisor. The US President had fired John Bolton last week, revealing deep divisions between the two on major foreign policy issues including nuclear talks with Pyongyang. Trump on Thursday said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang, which have been deadlocked since the collapse of his second summit with Kim Jong Un collapsed in February. Kim Myong Gil, Pyongyang's top delegate for working-level negotiations with Washington, said the comment underscored a "political perception and disposition peculiar to President Trump", calling it a "wise political decision" in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. "At the moment I am not quite sure what he implied in his suggestion of 'new method'," he added. "It seems he wanted to imply that a step-by-step solution starting with the things feasible first while building trust in each other would be the best option." Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- who was killed after being deposed in 2011. Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly". Kim Myong Gil described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker who used to face everything out of his anachronistic way of thinking". North Korea and the United States agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging". There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

Top North Korea negotiator praises Trump's 'new method' suggestion

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lifts-tariffs-on-400-chinese-products-trump-cites-trade-progress-250891">President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-talks-seen-as-unlikely-to-mend-us-china-divide-250119">trade</a> will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"I'm not looking for a partial deal. I'm looking for a complete deal," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Morrison at the White House.

Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020.

Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception and state dinner, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property.

"We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules."

Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure."

Later the United States Trade Representative's office issued a statement announcing that the deputy-level US and Chinese negotiators had completed "productive" talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

Top-level talks are expected in October.

'Dinner under the stars'

This was only the second state-level visit to the White House granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premiere here since John Howard in 2006.

In a shift from tradition, and taking advantage of perfect end-of-summer weather, the dinner was served under the stars in the Rose Garden.

Pale yellow tablecloths and floral arrangements decorated the tables, bathed in a golden glow from the outdoor lighting.

Trump gave a toast praising the "free and proud spirit" shared by the two nations.

Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honour guard, a military band and 19 gun salute on the South Lawn.

"Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison said, adding that he and the Republican US president had also "established a very early understanding."

In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship."

'Conservatives club'

Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start.

But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawn into Trump's orbit.

Trump and Morrison agree on much, with Australia joining the US-led patrols of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran and following Washington's lead to excluding China's Huawei from its 5G phone market.

Trump has defied controversy over his push to prevent illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from crossing the Mexican border. Similarly, Morrison, a former immigration minister, has worked to make Australia less attractive to would-be asylum seekers.

His Liberal-National coalition also has much in common with Trump's climate change scepticism, rejecting overwhelming scientific warnings to encourage lucrative fossil fuel industries. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter.

This is "one of our strongest and most enduring relationships anywhere in the world," a senior Trump administration official said Thursday, asking not to be identified.

One area that Trump especially appreciates is a trade where the United States enjoys a surplus. The trade conflicts proliferating under Trump have bypassed Australia.

The administration official said that cooperation between Australia's space agency and NASA on a return to the Moon and joint efforts to ensure "stable and secure" access to rare earth metals were on the agenda Friday.

The relationship gets more complicated over how to deal with China.

Under Trump, the United States has embarked on what some are comparing to a new Cold War. Huge trade tariffs and growing competition in the military-strategic sphere are sending ripples through the entire Pacific region.

As China rises, there are even worries in some quarters that Australia may not always be able to rely on its US security umbrella.

A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in August said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

President Donald Trump said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on trade will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

President Donald Trump said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on trade will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "I'm not looking for a partial deal. I'm looking for a complete deal," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Morrison at the White House. Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020. Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception and state dinner, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property. "We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules." Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure." Later the United States Trade Representative's office issued a statement announcing that the deputy-level US and Chinese negotiators had completed "productive" talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday. Top-level talks are expected in October. 'Dinner under the stars' This was only the second state-level visit to the White House granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premiere here since John Howard in 2006. In a shift from tradition, and taking advantage of perfect end-of-summer weather, the dinner was served under the stars in the Rose Garden. Pale yellow tablecloths and floral arrangements decorated the tables, bathed in a golden glow from the outdoor lighting. Trump gave a toast praising the "free and proud spirit" shared by the two nations. Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honour guard, a military band and 19 gun salute on the South Lawn. "Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison said, adding that he and the Republican US president had also "established a very early understanding." In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship." 'Conservatives club' Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start. But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawn into Trump's orbit. Trump and Morrison agree on much, with Australia joining the US-led patrols of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran and following Washington's lead to excluding China's Huawei from its 5G phone market. Trump has defied controversy over his push to prevent illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from crossing the Mexican border. Similarly, Morrison, a former immigration minister, has worked to make Australia less attractive to would-be asylum seekers. His Liberal-National coalition also has much in common with Trump's climate change scepticism, rejecting overwhelming scientific warnings to encourage lucrative fossil fuel industries. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter. This is "one of our strongest and most enduring relationships anywhere in the world," a senior Trump administration official said Thursday, asking not to be identified. One area that Trump especially appreciates is a trade where the United States enjoys a surplus. The trade conflicts proliferating under Trump have bypassed Australia. The administration official said that cooperation between Australia's space agency and NASA on a return to the Moon and joint efforts to ensure "stable and secure" access to rare earth metals were on the agenda Friday. The relationship gets more complicated over how to deal with China. Under Trump, the United States has embarked on what some are comparing to a new Cold War. Huge trade tariffs and growing competition in the military-strategic sphere are sending ripples through the entire Pacific region. As China rises, there are even worries in some quarters that Australia may not always be able to rely on its US security umbrella. A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in August said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

Trump, backed by Australia's Morrison, talks tough on China

US President <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-new-us-sanctions-on-iran-central-bank-250885">Donald Trump</a> on Friday approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom`s oil facilities, which Washington has squarely blamed on Iran.

The Pentagon said the deployment would involve a moderate number of troops - not numbering thousands - and would be primarily defensive in nature. It also detailed plans to expedite delivery of military equipment to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Reuters has previously reported that the Pentagon was considering sending anti-missile batteries, drones and more fighter jets. The United States is also considering keeping an aircraft carrier in the region indefinitely.

Watch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-saudi-arabia-presents-proof-against-iran-250651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In response to the kingdom`s request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focussed on air and missile defence," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a news briefing.

"We will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance their ability to defend themselves."

The Pentagon's late Friday announcement appeared to close the door to any imminent decision to wage retaliatory strikes against Iran following the attack, which rattled global markets and exposed major gaps in Saudi Arabia's air defences.

Trump said earlier on Friday that he believed his military restraint so far showed "strength," as he instead imposed another round of economic sanctions on Tehran.

"Because the easiest thing I could do, 'Okay, go ahead. Knock out 15 different major things in Iran.' ... But I’m not looking to do that if I can," Trump told reporters at the White House.

But the deployment could further aggravate Iran, which has responded to previous US troop deployments this year with apprehension. It denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition that includes the UAE, has claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Did attack launch from Iran?

Relations between the United States and Iran have deteriorated sharply since Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear accord last year and reimposed sanctions on its oil exports.

For months, Iranian officials issued veiled threats, saying that if Tehran were blocked from exporting oil, other countries would not be able to do so either.

However, Iran has denied any role in a series of attacks in recent months, including bombings of tankers in the Gulf and strikes claimed by the Houthis.

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have fingered southwest Iran as the staging ground for the attack, an assessment based at least in part on still-classified imagery showing Iran appearing to prepare an aerial strike.

They have dismissed Houthi claims that the attacks originated in Yemen.

One of the officials told Reuters the strike may have been authorized by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The United States is wary of getting dragged into another conflict in the Middle East. It has troops positioned in Syria and Iraq, two countries where Iranian influence is strong and Iran-backed forces operate openly.

US officials fear Iran`s proxies might attempt to strike American troops there, something that could easily trigger a broader regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia has said it was attacked by a total of 25 drones and missiles, including Iranian Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and "Ya Ali" cruise missiles.

US Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said officials were still hammering out the best array of capabilities to defend Saudi Arabia, noting the difficulty combating a swarm of drones.

"No single system is going to be able to defend against a threat like that, but a layered system of defensive capabilities would mitigate the risk of swarms of drones or other attacks that may come from Iran," Dunford said.

US President Donald Trump on Friday approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom`s oil facilities, which Washington has squarely blamed on Iran.

US President Donald Trump on Friday approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom`s oil facilities, which Washington has squarely blamed on Iran. The Pentagon said the deployment would involve a moderate number of troops - not numbering thousands - and would be primarily defensive in nature. It also detailed plans to expedite delivery of military equipment to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Reuters has previously reported that the Pentagon was considering sending anti-missile batteries, drones and more fighter jets. The United States is also considering keeping an aircraft carrier in the region indefinitely. Watch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran "In response to the kingdom`s request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focussed on air and missile defence," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a news briefing. "We will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance their ability to defend themselves." The Pentagon's late Friday announcement appeared to close the door to any imminent decision to wage retaliatory strikes against Iran following the attack, which rattled global markets and exposed major gaps in Saudi Arabia's air defences. Trump said earlier on Friday that he believed his military restraint so far showed "strength," as he instead imposed another round of economic sanctions on Tehran. "Because the easiest thing I could do, 'Okay, go ahead. Knock out 15 different major things in Iran.' ... But I’m not looking to do that if I can," Trump told reporters at the White House. But the deployment could further aggravate Iran, which has responded to previous US troop deployments this year with apprehension. It denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition that includes the UAE, has claimed responsibility for the strikes. Did attack launch from Iran? Relations between the United States and Iran have deteriorated sharply since Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear accord last year and reimposed sanctions on its oil exports. For months, Iranian officials issued veiled threats, saying that if Tehran were blocked from exporting oil, other countries would not be able to do so either. However, Iran has denied any role in a series of attacks in recent months, including bombings of tankers in the Gulf and strikes claimed by the Houthis. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have fingered southwest Iran as the staging ground for the attack, an assessment based at least in part on still-classified imagery showing Iran appearing to prepare an aerial strike. They have dismissed Houthi claims that the attacks originated in Yemen. One of the officials told Reuters the strike may have been authorized by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The United States is wary of getting dragged into another conflict in the Middle East. It has troops positioned in Syria and Iraq, two countries where Iranian influence is strong and Iran-backed forces operate openly. US officials fear Iran`s proxies might attempt to strike American troops there, something that could easily trigger a broader regional conflict. Saudi Arabia has said it was attacked by a total of 25 drones and missiles, including Iranian Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and "Ya Ali" cruise missiles. US Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said officials were still hammering out the best array of capabilities to defend Saudi Arabia, noting the difficulty combating a swarm of drones. "No single system is going to be able to defend against a threat like that, but a layered system of defensive capabilities would mitigate the risk of swarms of drones or other attacks that may come from Iran," Dunford said.

Trump administration sending troops to bolster Saudi defences after attack

President Donald Trump on Friday announced new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-government-to-substantially-increase-iran-sanctions-250415">sanctions on Iran</a>'s central bank, calling the measures the "highest" sanctions ever imposed on a foreign country by the United States.

"We have just sanctioned the Iranian national bank," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, later clarifying that he was referring to the Iranian central bank.

"These are the highest sanctions ever imposed on a country," he said.

Trump earlier this week announced what he said would be substantial new sanctions against Iran, in response to what US officials say was likely<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674"> Iranian involvement in an attack on Saudi oil facilities</a>.

Watch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran

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The United States already enforces widespread sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy, including attempting to shut down its major oil export industry.

President Donald Trump has stepped up sanctions against Iran since last year when he exited a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions that were lifted under the deal in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program.

In response, Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments to limit uranium enrichment activity under the pact and plans to further breach it if European signatories fail to keep their promises to shield Iran's economy from US penalties.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced new sanctions on Iran's central bank, calling the measures the "highest" sanctions ever imposed on a foreign country by the United States.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced new sanctions on Iran's central bank, calling the measures the "highest" sanctions ever imposed on a foreign country by the United States. "We have just sanctioned the Iranian national bank," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, later clarifying that he was referring to the Iranian central bank. "These are the highest sanctions ever imposed on a country," he said. Trump earlier this week announced what he said would be substantial new sanctions against Iran, in response to what US officials say was likely Iranian involvement in an attack on Saudi oil facilities. Watch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran × The United States already enforces widespread sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy, including attempting to shut down its major oil export industry. President Donald Trump has stepped up sanctions against Iran since last year when he exited a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions that were lifted under the deal in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program. In response, Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments to limit uranium enrichment activity under the pact and plans to further breach it if European signatories fail to keep their promises to shield Iran's economy from US penalties.

Trump announces new US sanctions on Iran, highest ever on any country

Swedish teenager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-protests-at-white-house-249544">Greta Thunberg</a>, who has inspired a global movement for climate change, delivered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-climate-activist-thunberg-asks-us-congress-for-action-not-praise-250336">strong message to US&nbsp;lawmakers</a> on Wednesday: "Wake up."

Wrapping up a six-day visit to Washington, DC, the 16-year-old Thunberg rallied a room full of Democratic lawmakers and activists, urging them to follow scientific warnings and push for strong measures to combat climate change.

"This is not the time and place for dreams. This is the time to wake up," Thunberg said behind a lowered podium at the ornate House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee room.

Thunberg spent the day in Congress and on the steps of the Supreme Court, lending her star power to join US and youth activists who were drumming up attention and support ahead of a global climate strike on Friday.

She began with a pointed message before a US&nbsp;congressional hearing: "I don’t want you to listen to me. I want you to listen to the scientists."

Thunberg, founder of the "Fridays For Future" weekly school walkouts to demand government climate-change action, submitted a 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at the hearing in lieu of testimony.

It urged rapid, unprecedented changes to the way people live in order to keep temperatures from rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) by 2030.

"People, in general, don't seem to be aware of how severe the crisis" is, Thunberg said, urging lawmakers to "unite behind the science" and take action, saying that people need to treat climate change "like the existential crisis it is."

Thunberg was one of four students invited to a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, to provide the next generation's views on climate change.

 
"BIGGEST CARBON POLLUTER"

Her first appearance took place last Friday in front of the White House, where she encouraged fellow young activists to keep fighting to be heard. She did not mention President Donald Trump, a climate change denier who moved to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Change Agreement early in his tenure, in her remarks.

 
On Wednesday, she called out the United States for being the "biggest carbon polluter in history" and the top producer of oil.

"And yet you are also the only nation in the world who has signalled with strong intention to leave the Paris agreement because it was a bad deal for the US," she said.

Trump earlier in the day announced plans to revoke California's ability https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-trump/trump-confirms-us-will-revoke-california-waiver-to-require-cleaner-cars-idUSKBN1W3257 to set emissions standards for vehicles that are more stringent than the federal standards&nbsp;the latest move in his administration’s multi-pronged attack on California's efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, which could slow the deployment of electric and more efficient vehicles.&nbsp;

A conservative climate-change advocate at Wednesday's hearing, 21-year-old Benji Backer from Wisconsin, told lawmakers that young conservatives also favour climate change action, but through an approach focussed on technology and allowing the continued use of fossil fuels.

"As a proud American, as a life-long conservative and as a young person, I urge you to accept climate change for the reality it is and respond accordingly. We need your leadership," he said.

Backer praised Thunberg and other climate activists for putting the issue at the forefront of politics but said there was time to take more measured action.

In addition to meetings on Capitol Hill, Thunberg met former President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Obama described the teenager on Twitter as "already one of the planet's greatest advocates."

Though Thunberg mostly addressed admiring Democratic lawmakers, she also spoke to some Republican lawmakers at the House hearing.

Republican representatives praised the students for raising awareness about climate change but disagreed over what action the United States should take when emerging economies continue to emit greenhouse gases as their economies grow.

Representative Garret Graves from Louisiana said his state was affected by rising sea levels and that he supported the US&nbsp;emission reduction target enshrined in the Paris Climate Agreement, but he criticized the pact for how it treats emerging economies like China.

"I think that signing on to an agreement that allows for China to have a 50 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030 is inappropriate," he said.

Thunberg responded that in her home country, Sweden, people similarly criticize the United States for not taking enough action. "The same argument is being used against you," she said.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who has inspired a global movement for climate change, delivered a strong message to US lawmakers on Wednesday: "Wake up." Wrapping up a six-day visit to Washington, DC, the 16-year-old Thunberg rallied a room full of Democratic lawmakers and activists, urging them to follow scientific warnings and push for strong measures to combat climate change.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who has inspired a global movement for climate change, delivered a strong message to US lawmakers on Wednesday: "Wake up." Wrapping up a six-day visit to Washington, DC, the 16-year-old Thunberg rallied a room full of Democratic lawmakers and activists, urging them to follow scientific warnings and push for strong measures to combat climate change. "This is not the time and place for dreams. This is the time to wake up," Thunberg said behind a lowered podium at the ornate House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee room. Thunberg spent the day in Congress and on the steps of the Supreme Court, lending her star power to join US and youth activists who were drumming up attention and support ahead of a global climate strike on Friday. She began with a pointed message before a US congressional hearing: "I don’t want you to listen to me. I want you to listen to the scientists." Thunberg, founder of the "Fridays For Future" weekly school walkouts to demand government climate-change action, submitted a 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at the hearing in lieu of testimony. It urged rapid, unprecedented changes to the way people live in order to keep temperatures from rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) by 2030. "People, in general, don't seem to be aware of how severe the crisis" is, Thunberg said, urging lawmakers to "unite behind the science" and take action, saying that people need to treat climate change "like the existential crisis it is." Thunberg was one of four students invited to a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, to provide the next generation's views on climate change. "BIGGEST CARBON POLLUTER" Her first appearance took place last Friday in front of the White House, where she encouraged fellow young activists to keep fighting to be heard. She did not mention President Donald Trump, a climate change denier who moved to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Change Agreement early in his tenure, in her remarks. On Wednesday, she called out the United States for being the "biggest carbon polluter in history" and the top producer of oil. "And yet you are also the only nation in the world who has signalled with strong intention to leave the Paris agreement because it was a bad deal for the US," she said. Trump earlier in the day announced plans to revoke California's ability https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-trump/trump-confirms-us-will-revoke-california-waiver-to-require-cleaner-cars-idUSKBN1W3257 to set emissions standards for vehicles that are more stringent than the federal standards the latest move in his administration’s multi-pronged attack on California's efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, which could slow the deployment of electric and more efficient vehicles. A conservative climate-change advocate at Wednesday's hearing, 21-year-old Benji Backer from Wisconsin, told lawmakers that young conservatives also favour climate change action, but through an approach focussed on technology and allowing the continued use of fossil fuels. "As a proud American, as a life-long conservative and as a young person, I urge you to accept climate change for the reality it is and respond accordingly. We need your leadership," he said. Backer praised Thunberg and other climate activists for putting the issue at the forefront of politics but said there was time to take more measured action. In addition to meetings on Capitol Hill, Thunberg met former President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Obama described the teenager on Twitter as "already one of the planet's greatest advocates." Though Thunberg mostly addressed admiring Democratic lawmakers, she also spoke to some Republican lawmakers at the House hearing. Republican representatives praised the students for raising awareness about climate change but disagreed over what action the United States should take when emerging economies continue to emit greenhouse gases as their economies grow. Representative Garret Graves from Louisiana said his state was affected by rising sea levels and that he supported the US emission reduction target enshrined in the Paris Climate Agreement, but he criticized the pact for how it treats emerging economies like China. "I think that signing on to an agreement that allows for China to have a 50 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030 is inappropriate," he said. Thunberg responded that in her home country, Sweden, people similarly criticize the United States for not taking enough action. "The same argument is being used against you," she said.

Greta Thunberg to US Congress on climate change: 'Wake up'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-government-to-substantially-increase-iran-sanctions-250415">US President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday said that his earlier decision not to attack Iran was a sign of strength as it's always easier to attack than to withhold a strike.

The US president said that he had many options on the table regarding how to respond to Tehran's alleged involvement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacks-on-aramco-oil-facility-unquestionably-sponsored-by-iran-saudi-arabia-250445">attack on Saudi refineries</a> on 14 September, Sputnik reported.

His remarks came days after the US pointed fingers on Iran being responsible for the attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, a claim which Iran has denied.

Trump said Washington has not learned much recently about the strikes on the Saudi Aramco facilities last week and claimed that the US already knows what exactly happened that day. The President said the US would wait to decide on response until after Riyadh finishes its own investigation and identifies the "culprit".

Saudi Oil Field Attacks: Pompeo heads to Saudi as US Blames Iran

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-oil-field-attacks-pompeo-heads-to-saudi-as-us-blames-iran-250397/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sputnik also quoted the Saudi Defence Ministry as saying that an Iranian cruise missile and Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used in the attack on Saudi Aramco facilities.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that his earlier decision not to attack Iran was a sign of strength as it's always easier to attack than to withhold a strike.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that his earlier decision not to attack Iran was a sign of strength as it's always easier to attack than to withhold a strike. The US president said that he had many options on the table regarding how to respond to Tehran's alleged involvement in the attack on Saudi refineries on 14 September, Sputnik reported. His remarks came days after the US pointed fingers on Iran being responsible for the attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, a claim which Iran has denied. Trump said Washington has not learned much recently about the strikes on the Saudi Aramco facilities last week and claimed that the US already knows what exactly happened that day. The President said the US would wait to decide on response until after Riyadh finishes its own investigation and identifies the "culprit". Saudi Oil Field Attacks: Pompeo heads to Saudi as US Blames Iran Sputnik also quoted the Saudi Defence Ministry as saying that an Iranian cruise missile and Delta Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used in the attack on Saudi Aramco facilities.

Decision not to strike Iran earlier, a sign of strength: US President Donald Trump

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had no more than 20 minutes to study a draft accord between the United States and the Taliban on pulling thousands of US troops out of his country, but upcoming elections could put him back at the heart of talks to end decades of war.

What he read in the draft outlining the now collapsed deal left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attacks-kill-48-afghan-leader-unhurt-as-bomber-targets-rally-250239">Ghani and his officials</a> - who were shut out of the talks by the Taliban refusal to negotiate with what they considered an illegitimate "puppet" regime - badly shaken and resentful, said a senior Kabul official close to the Afghan leader.

"Doesn't this look like surrender to the Taliban?" Ghani asked Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran Afghan-born diplomat who led negotiations for Washington, at a meeting the two held immediately afterwards, according to the source who was present.

The Islamist militant group that ruled Afghanistan for five years has killed thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians since it was toppled by US-led forces in 2001, and the attacks have continued throughout its negotiations with Washington.

In response to Ghani's doubts, the Afghan official said Khalilzad replied: "This is the best deal we will ever have".

The US State Department declined to comment on the meeting. Khalilzad was unavailable for comment.

It was not the Afghan government's misgivings that sank the deal - US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled secret talks with the Taliban at his Camp David retreat that were planned for September 8 and has since said the talks are "dead".

But for the Afghan government, that may be an opportunity get back in the game and shape the future direction of the peace process.

A presidential election, which the Taliban and even many Western officials had wanted to cancel to focus on sealing the peace accord, is now expected to go ahead on September 28. Ghani is favourite to win, leaving him well-placed to claim a popular mandate to set the terms of any new agreement with the Taliban.

"Now, the management of the peace process, its planning and implementation is the sole duty of the government of Afghanistan," Ghani told an election rally last week. "I will implement that."

The Taliban has vowed to violently disrupt the election and on Tuesday killed nearly 50 people in twin suicide bombings, one targeting a Ghani election rally.

Future talks?

Afghan officials say the view in Kabul was that the US deal offered too many concessions to the Taliban while getting nothing in return, and left the Afghan government, supposedly America's ally, swinging in the wind.

The disagreement illustrates the deep split that developed between the United States and the government over any peace deal and underlines how hard it has been for them to present a united front in dealing with Taliban negotiators.

The deal's collapse has also damaged the credibility of Khalilzad, say Afghan officials and Western diplomats in Kabul who have been following the talks closely. His future is now in doubt and it is still unclear whether talks can be revived.

The State Department declined to respond to requests for comment on Reuters' questions concerning the future of the talks and the criticisms of the draft deal.

The commander of US forces in Afghanistan has said the Taliban "overplayed their hand" in the negotiations and that the pace of US military operations was likely to pick up.

Trump's decision to fire his hawkish National Security Adviser John Bolton has added a further complication, and some in Washington fear the election will make it harder for talks to be revived before next year's US presidential election.

If talks are resumed, Ghani's officials say Khalilzad's format of holding separate negotiations with the Taliban as a preliminary step to later talks between Afghan participants in the conflict cannot be repeated.

Instead, the government will press for a sequence that would see a ceasefire followed by direct talks with the Taliban, leading to credible security guarantees. Only then would US troops be withdrawn.

"The government needs to be on board if there is a deal in the future," the Afghan official said.

"Major failure''

Under the draft accord, some 5,000 American troops would be withdrawn in exchange for assurances that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks against the United States and its allies. That would leave roughly 9,000 stationed there.

But the senior Afghan official said many of the details of what would happen once the withdrawal took place were unclear.

"There was no concrete discussion, nothing, no discussion at all," the senior Afghan official said.

From Ghani's point of view, Taliban assurances that they would not allow militant groups such as Al Qaeda to operate in Afghanistan were worthless, given the formal oaths of loyalty that bound them.

Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri pledged allegiance to Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada in 2016.

At the same time, intelligence reports showed Taliban field commanders confident of victory and eager to fight on.

While Khalilzad spoke with clarity about plans to withdraw thousands of US troops, the senior Afghan official said the fate of future "intra-Afghan" talks that would decide a final peace settlement with the Taliban was less clear.

"It was a major failure of the deal that Khalilzad could not convince the Taliban to enter into direct negotiation with the Afghan government," the Afghan official said.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had no more than 20 minutes to study a draft accord between the United States and the Taliban on pulling thousands of US troops out of his country, but upcoming elections could put him back at the heart of talks to end decades of war.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had no more than 20 minutes to study a draft accord between the United States and the Taliban on pulling thousands of US troops out of his country, but upcoming elections could put him back at the heart of talks to end decades of war. What he read in the draft outlining the now collapsed deal left Ghani and his officials - who were shut out of the talks by the Taliban refusal to negotiate with what they considered an illegitimate "puppet" regime - badly shaken and resentful, said a senior Kabul official close to the Afghan leader. "Doesn't this look like surrender to the Taliban?" Ghani asked Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran Afghan-born diplomat who led negotiations for Washington, at a meeting the two held immediately afterwards, according to the source who was present. The Islamist militant group that ruled Afghanistan for five years has killed thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians since it was toppled by US-led forces in 2001, and the attacks have continued throughout its negotiations with Washington. In response to Ghani's doubts, the Afghan official said Khalilzad replied: "This is the best deal we will ever have". The US State Department declined to comment on the meeting. Khalilzad was unavailable for comment. It was not the Afghan government's misgivings that sank the deal - US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled secret talks with the Taliban at his Camp David retreat that were planned for September 8 and has since said the talks are "dead". But for the Afghan government, that may be an opportunity get back in the game and shape the future direction of the peace process. A presidential election, which the Taliban and even many Western officials had wanted to cancel to focus on sealing the peace accord, is now expected to go ahead on September 28. Ghani is favourite to win, leaving him well-placed to claim a popular mandate to set the terms of any new agreement with the Taliban. "Now, the management of the peace process, its planning and implementation is the sole duty of the government of Afghanistan," Ghani told an election rally last week. "I will implement that." The Taliban has vowed to violently disrupt the election and on Tuesday killed nearly 50 people in twin suicide bombings, one targeting a Ghani election rally. Future talks? Afghan officials say the view in Kabul was that the US deal offered too many concessions to the Taliban while getting nothing in return, and left the Afghan government, supposedly America's ally, swinging in the wind. The disagreement illustrates the deep split that developed between the United States and the government over any peace deal and underlines how hard it has been for them to present a united front in dealing with Taliban negotiators. The deal's collapse has also damaged the credibility of Khalilzad, say Afghan officials and Western diplomats in Kabul who have been following the talks closely. His future is now in doubt and it is still unclear whether talks can be revived. The State Department declined to respond to requests for comment on Reuters' questions concerning the future of the talks and the criticisms of the draft deal. The commander of US forces in Afghanistan has said the Taliban "overplayed their hand" in the negotiations and that the pace of US military operations was likely to pick up. Trump's decision to fire his hawkish National Security Adviser John Bolton has added a further complication, and some in Washington fear the election will make it harder for talks to be revived before next year's US presidential election. If talks are resumed, Ghani's officials say Khalilzad's format of holding separate negotiations with the Taliban as a preliminary step to later talks between Afghan participants in the conflict cannot be repeated. Instead, the government will press for a sequence that would see a ceasefire followed by direct talks with the Taliban, leading to credible security guarantees. Only then would US troops be withdrawn. "The government needs to be on board if there is a deal in the future," the Afghan official said. "Major failure'' Under the draft accord, some 5,000 American troops would be withdrawn in exchange for assurances that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks against the United States and its allies. That would leave roughly 9,000 stationed there. But the senior Afghan official said many of the details of what would happen once the withdrawal took place were unclear. "There was no concrete discussion, nothing, no discussion at all," the senior Afghan official said. From Ghani's point of view, Taliban assurances that they would not allow militant groups such as Al Qaeda to operate in Afghanistan were worthless, given the formal oaths of loyalty that bound them. Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri pledged allegiance to Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada in 2016. At the same time, intelligence reports showed Taliban field commanders confident of victory and eager to fight on. While Khalilzad spoke with clarity about plans to withdraw thousands of US troops, the senior Afghan official said the fate of future "intra-Afghan" talks that would decide a final peace settlement with the Taliban was less clear. "It was a major failure of the deal that Khalilzad could not convince the Taliban to enter into direct negotiation with the Afghan government," the Afghan official said.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani seeks opportunity in upcoming elections after collapse of US-Taliban talks

Corey Lewandowski, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">Donald Trump</a>'s former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Late on Monday, the White House instructed Lewandowski not to discuss conversations he had with Trump after he became president, including an exchange at the White House that Democrats view as evidence that Trump obstructed justice and may need to be impeached.

Lewandowski, who is mulling a run for the US Senate, is the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-steps-up-donald-trump-impeachment-probe-248698">impeachment</a>&nbsp;witness to appear before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in July about his probe of Russian election interference and Trump's alleged efforts to impede the investigation.

Democrats, who hope to decide whether to recommend Trump's impeachment to the full House by year-end, had intended to grill Lewandowski about an effort by the president to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Mueller probe away from the 2016 Trump campaign.

The episode is among several incidents contained in Mueller's 448-page Russia investigation report that Democrats view as evidence Trump obstructed justice.

Mueller did not determine whether Trump obstructed justice but did not exonerate him of possible wrongdoing.

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone told the committee in a letter on Monday that Lewandowski could not testify about conversations with Trump after he became president or with his senior advisers.

The White House also ordered two other witnesses, former Trump White House aides Rob Porter and Rick Dearborn, not to testify.

Cipollone's letter said they were "absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters related to their service as senior advisers to the President."

The Judiciary Committee's chairman, Democrat Jerrold Nadler, denounced the White House move as a "shocking and dangerous assertion of executive privilege and absolute immunity."

"If he were to prevail in this cover-up while the Judiciary Committee is considering whether to recommend articles of impeachment, he would upend the separation of powers as envisioned by our founders," Nadler said in a statement, referring to Trump.

A Lewandowski spokeswoman, who had said earlier that the former campaign manager would cooperate fully with the committee, was not available for comment. 
An attorney for Dearborn said he advised his client to comply with the White House's direction. Porter could not be reached for comment.

Described by Mueller as a Trump "devotee" who has a "close" relationship with the president, Lewandowski has said he intends to defend Trump.

"I want to go and remind the American people that these guys are on a witch hunt," the former campaign manager told Fox News Radio on August 16.

Republicans contend that the Mueller investigation uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and denounce the Democrats' impeachment probe as theatrics intended to pander to voters.

In June 2017, Trump met Lewandowski, then a private citizen, at the White House and dictated a message he was to deliver to Sessions.

The message said Sessions should shift the Russia probe's focus to future elections despite his recusal from the investigation.

At a second meeting a month later, Trump asked about the status of the message and said Lewandowski should "tell Sessions he was fired" if he would not meet with the former campaign manager, according to the Mueller report.

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Late on Monday, the White House instructed Lewandowski not to discuss conversations he had with Trump after he became president, including an exchange at the White House that Democrats view as evidence that Trump obstructed justice and may need to be impeached. Lewandowski, who is mulling a run for the US Senate, is the first impeachment witness to appear before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in July about his probe of Russian election interference and Trump's alleged efforts to impede the investigation. Democrats, who hope to decide whether to recommend Trump's impeachment to the full House by year-end, had intended to grill Lewandowski about an effort by the president to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Mueller probe away from the 2016 Trump campaign. The episode is among several incidents contained in Mueller's 448-page Russia investigation report that Democrats view as evidence Trump obstructed justice. Mueller did not determine whether Trump obstructed justice but did not exonerate him of possible wrongdoing. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone told the committee in a letter on Monday that Lewandowski could not testify about conversations with Trump after he became president or with his senior advisers. The White House also ordered two other witnesses, former Trump White House aides Rob Porter and Rick Dearborn, not to testify. Cipollone's letter said they were "absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters related to their service as senior advisers to the President." The Judiciary Committee's chairman, Democrat Jerrold Nadler, denounced the White House move as a "shocking and dangerous assertion of executive privilege and absolute immunity." "If he were to prevail in this cover-up while the Judiciary Committee is considering whether to recommend articles of impeachment, he would upend the separation of powers as envisioned by our founders," Nadler said in a statement, referring to Trump. A Lewandowski spokeswoman, who had said earlier that the former campaign manager would cooperate fully with the committee, was not available for comment. An attorney for Dearborn said he advised his client to comply with the White House's direction. Porter could not be reached for comment. Described by Mueller as a Trump "devotee" who has a "close" relationship with the president, Lewandowski has said he intends to defend Trump. "I want to go and remind the American people that these guys are on a witch hunt," the former campaign manager told Fox News Radio on August 16. Republicans contend that the Mueller investigation uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and denounce the Democrats' impeachment probe as theatrics intended to pander to voters. In June 2017, Trump met Lewandowski, then a private citizen, at the White House and dictated a message he was to deliver to Sessions. The message said Sessions should shift the Russia probe's focus to future elections despite his recusal from the investigation. At a second meeting a month later, Trump asked about the status of the message and said Lewandowski should "tell Sessions he was fired" if he would not meet with the former campaign manager, according to the Mueller report.

Ex-Trump campaign chief Lewandowski to testify in impeachment hearing

Apple went on the offensive against Brussels in an EU court on Tuesday, fighting the European Commission's landmark order that the iPhone-maker reimburse Ireland's $14 billion&nbsp;in back taxes.

The EU's tax demand, made three years ago, "defies reality and common sense," Apple's lawyer Daniel Beard told the EU's lower General Court.

The commission's "conclusion is wrong," he added at the start of two days of hearings.

Lawyers for the world's biggest company faced EU officials in the Luxembourg court, challenging a decision that CEO Tim Cook slammed at the time as "total political crap" with no basis in law.

Ireland, which is similarly appealing the decision, lashed out at the EU's "astonishing" interpretation of tax law.

"The Commission decision simply ignores Irish laws," Ireland's representative Maurice Collins told judges.

The commission's historic decision was delivered on August 2016 by Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a shock decision that put Europe at the forefront of an emerging effort to rein in the power of America's largest technological companies.

The EU accuses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disney-ceo-bob-iger-resigns-from-apple-board-as-tv-battle-looms-249672">Apple</a> of parking untaxed revenue earned in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India in Ireland, which has become a European hub for US-based big tech.

This privilege allegedly gave Apple an advantage over other companies, allowing it to avoid Irish taxes between 2003 and 2014 of around 13 billion euros which, according to Brussels, constituted illegal "state aid" by Ireland.

An EU lawyer pushed back at Apple and Ireland's arguments, insisting that the iPhone-maker was on the hook to pay taxes in Ireland.

The judges are not expected to hand down their decision before 2020. Any appeal would then go the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final ruling that could land as late as 2021.

'Rewrite history'

Apple fiercely rejects the tax bill, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-demands-tech-company-emails-in-antitrust-investigation-249510">US </a>government insists the order by Brussels constitutes a major breach of international tax law.

"The European Commission has tried to rewrite Apple's history in Europe, to ignore Ireland's tax laws and, in doing so, to disrupt the international tax system," Tim Cook said in an open letter in 2016.

The group insists that it is in the United States, where the company invests in research and development and thus creates wealth, that it must pay taxes on the revenue in question.

This became possible after a major tax overhaul in the US at the end of 2017 that allowed Apple to repatriate profits made abroad. Apple has promised to pay Washington a tax bill of $37 billion, in addition to the taxes already paid in the United States.

That argument is "perfectly irrelevant", said the commission's lawyer.

"There is no tax mismatch here," said the lawyer.

The two days of hearings are taking place in a tense trade context between the EU and the United States. President Donald Trump accuses Europeans of deliberately attacking American technology giants.

The EU's competition supremo, Vestager, has in particular been accused by Trump of "hating" the US. He has slammed her as the "tax lady" because of the investigations and heavy fines imposed on US tech firms such as Google.

Pending the conclusion of the case, Apple has blocked the funds in an escrow account: a total of 14.3 billion euros after interest.

The group, which has been present in Ireland since the 1980s, employs around 6,000 people in Cork, the country's second-largest city.

The first indications of how the Apple case may finish will come as early as September 24 when the same EU court will rule on whether Vestager was right to demand unpaid taxes from Starbucks and a unit of Fiat Chrysler.

Apple went on the offensive against Brussels in an EU court on Tuesday, fighting the European Commission's landmark order that the iPhone-maker reimburse Ireland's $14 billion in back taxes.

Apple went on the offensive against Brussels in an EU court on Tuesday, fighting the European Commission's landmark order that the iPhone-maker reimburse Ireland's $14 billion in back taxes. The EU's tax demand, made three years ago, "defies reality and common sense," Apple's lawyer Daniel Beard told the EU's lower General Court. The commission's "conclusion is wrong," he added at the start of two days of hearings. Lawyers for the world's biggest company faced EU officials in the Luxembourg court, challenging a decision that CEO Tim Cook slammed at the time as "total political crap" with no basis in law. Ireland, which is similarly appealing the decision, lashed out at the EU's "astonishing" interpretation of tax law. "The Commission decision simply ignores Irish laws," Ireland's representative Maurice Collins told judges. The commission's historic decision was delivered on August 2016 by Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a shock decision that put Europe at the forefront of an emerging effort to rein in the power of America's largest technological companies. The EU accuses Apple of parking untaxed revenue earned in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India in Ireland, which has become a European hub for US-based big tech. This privilege allegedly gave Apple an advantage over other companies, allowing it to avoid Irish taxes between 2003 and 2014 of around 13 billion euros which, according to Brussels, constituted illegal "state aid" by Ireland. An EU lawyer pushed back at Apple and Ireland's arguments, insisting that the iPhone-maker was on the hook to pay taxes in Ireland. The judges are not expected to hand down their decision before 2020. Any appeal would then go the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final ruling that could land as late as 2021. 'Rewrite history' Apple fiercely rejects the tax bill, while the US government insists the order by Brussels constitutes a major breach of international tax law. "The European Commission has tried to rewrite Apple's history in Europe, to ignore Ireland's tax laws and, in doing so, to disrupt the international tax system," Tim Cook said in an open letter in 2016. The group insists that it is in the United States, where the company invests in research and development and thus creates wealth, that it must pay taxes on the revenue in question. This became possible after a major tax overhaul in the US at the end of 2017 that allowed Apple to repatriate profits made abroad. Apple has promised to pay Washington a tax bill of $37 billion, in addition to the taxes already paid in the United States. That argument is "perfectly irrelevant", said the commission's lawyer. "There is no tax mismatch here," said the lawyer. The two days of hearings are taking place in a tense trade context between the EU and the United States. President Donald Trump accuses Europeans of deliberately attacking American technology giants. The EU's competition supremo, Vestager, has in particular been accused by Trump of "hating" the US. He has slammed her as the "tax lady" because of the investigations and heavy fines imposed on US tech firms such as Google. Pending the conclusion of the case, Apple has blocked the funds in an escrow account: a total of 14.3 billion euros after interest. The group, which has been present in Ireland since the 1980s, employs around 6,000 people in Cork, the country's second-largest city. The first indications of how the Apple case may finish will come as early as September 24 when the same EU court will rule on whether Vestager was right to demand unpaid taxes from Starbucks and a unit of Fiat Chrysler.

Apple slams European Union as court battle over tax bill begins

President Donald Trump said Sunday the US is "locked and loaded" to respond to attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-dismisses-us-claim-it-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-says-ready-for-war-249810">Washington blamed on Iran</a>, which have sent<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-races-to-restore-oil-supply-after-strike-blamed-on-iran-249851"> oil prices soaring</a>.

It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone attacks, which slashed Saudi oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap their strategic reserves.

"Saudi Arabia oil supply was attacked. There is reason to believe that we know the culprit, are locked and loaded depending on verification, but are waiting to hear from the Kingdom as to who they believe was the cause of this attack, and under what terms we would proceed!" Trump tweeted.

The Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, claimed Saturday's strikes on two plants owned by state energy giant Aramco.

But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed the finger squarely at Tehran, saying there was no evidence the "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply" was launched from Yemen.

"The United States will work with our partners and allies to ensure that energy markets remain well supplied and Iran is held accountable for its aggression," the top US diplomat said.

That drew an angry response from Tehran, where foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said: "Such fruitless and blind accusations and remarks are incomprehensible and meaningless."

The remarks were designed to damage Iran's reputation and provide a pretext for "future actions" against the Islamic republic, he added.

Baghdad, caught between its two main allies -- Tehran and Washington -- also denied any link to the attacks amid media speculation that the drones were launched from Iraq.

Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom is "willing and able" to respond to this "terrorist aggression."

But a tit-for-tat strike on Iranian oil fields is "highly unlikely," Middle East expert James Dorsey told AFP.

"The Saudis do not want an open conflict with Iran. The Saudis would like others to fight that war, and the others are reluctant," said Dorsey, from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

'Genie is out of the bottle'

Oil prices soared by 10 per cent in early Asia trading on Monday, while Saudi Arabia focused on restoring production at the plants.

Saturday's explosions set off fires that engulfed the Abqaiq plant, the world's largest oil processing facility, and nearby Khurais, which hosts a massive oil field.

Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit by the Huthis many times before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply.

"The genie is out of the bottle," said Bill Farren-Price, director of the London-based RS Energy Group.

"It is now clear that Saudi and other Gulf oil facilities are vulnerable to this kind of attack, which means that the geopolitical risk premium for oil needs to rise."

No casualties were reported but the full extent of the damage was not clear.

Aramco also said it will dip into its reserves to offset the disruption. On Saturday, CEO Amin Nasser said that "work is underway" to restore production, but the incident could affect investor confidence ahead of Aramco's stock market debut.

A significant volume of oil production can be restored within days but the company would need weeks to reach full output again, Bloomberg News reported Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

Trump tweeted that he had "authorized the release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if needed, in a to-be-determined amount" that is "sufficient to keep the markets well-supplied."

The president also "informed all appropriate agencies to expedite approvals of the oil pipelines currently in the permitting process in Texas and various other States," without naming specific projects.

Loggerheads

Following a phone call between Trump and Prince Mohammed, the White House condemned the attacks on "infrastructure vital to the global economy."

Tehran and Washington have been at loggerheads since May last year, when Trump pulled the US out of a landmark 2015 deal with world powers that promised Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

Despite the US accusation, the White House said on Sunday Trump may still meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming United Nations assembly.

Saudi Arabia has spent billions on military hardware but recent events have underscored the vulnerability of its infrastructure to attack.

The Huthis have staged repeated cross-border missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi air bases and other facilities in what they say is retaliation for the Riyadh-led bombing campaign on rebel-held areas in Yemen. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Sunday the US is "locked and loaded" to respond to attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington blamed on Iran, which have sent oil prices soaring.

President Donald Trump said Sunday the US is "locked and loaded" to respond to attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington blamed on Iran, which have sent oil prices soaring. It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone attacks, which slashed Saudi oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap their strategic reserves. "Saudi Arabia oil supply was attacked. There is reason to believe that we know the culprit, are locked and loaded depending on verification, but are waiting to hear from the Kingdom as to who they believe was the cause of this attack, and under what terms we would proceed!" Trump tweeted. The Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, claimed Saturday's strikes on two plants owned by state energy giant Aramco. But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed the finger squarely at Tehran, saying there was no evidence the "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply" was launched from Yemen. "The United States will work with our partners and allies to ensure that energy markets remain well supplied and Iran is held accountable for its aggression," the top US diplomat said. That drew an angry response from Tehran, where foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said: "Such fruitless and blind accusations and remarks are incomprehensible and meaningless." The remarks were designed to damage Iran's reputation and provide a pretext for "future actions" against the Islamic republic, he added. Baghdad, caught between its two main allies -- Tehran and Washington -- also denied any link to the attacks amid media speculation that the drones were launched from Iraq. Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom is "willing and able" to respond to this "terrorist aggression." But a tit-for-tat strike on Iranian oil fields is "highly unlikely," Middle East expert James Dorsey told AFP. "The Saudis do not want an open conflict with Iran. The Saudis would like others to fight that war, and the others are reluctant," said Dorsey, from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. 'Genie is out of the bottle' Oil prices soared by 10 per cent in early Asia trading on Monday, while Saudi Arabia focused on restoring production at the plants. Saturday's explosions set off fires that engulfed the Abqaiq plant, the world's largest oil processing facility, and nearby Khurais, which hosts a massive oil field. Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit by the Huthis many times before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply. "The genie is out of the bottle," said Bill Farren-Price, director of the London-based RS Energy Group. "It is now clear that Saudi and other Gulf oil facilities are vulnerable to this kind of attack, which means that the geopolitical risk premium for oil needs to rise." No casualties were reported but the full extent of the damage was not clear. Aramco also said it will dip into its reserves to offset the disruption. On Saturday, CEO Amin Nasser said that "work is underway" to restore production, but the incident could affect investor confidence ahead of Aramco's stock market debut. A significant volume of oil production can be restored within days but the company would need weeks to reach full output again, Bloomberg News reported Sunday, citing unnamed sources. Trump tweeted that he had "authorized the release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if needed, in a to-be-determined amount" that is "sufficient to keep the markets well-supplied." The president also "informed all appropriate agencies to expedite approvals of the oil pipelines currently in the permitting process in Texas and various other States," without naming specific projects. Loggerheads Following a phone call between Trump and Prince Mohammed, the White House condemned the attacks on "infrastructure vital to the global economy." Tehran and Washington have been at loggerheads since May last year, when Trump pulled the US out of a landmark 2015 deal with world powers that promised Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear program. Despite the US accusation, the White House said on Sunday Trump may still meet his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming United Nations assembly. Saudi Arabia has spent billions on military hardware but recent events have underscored the vulnerability of its infrastructure to attack. The Huthis have staged repeated cross-border missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi air bases and other facilities in what they say is retaliation for the Riyadh-led bombing campaign on rebel-held areas in Yemen.

Trump says US 'locked and loaded' after Saudi attacks as oil prices surge

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">oil to US allies</a>, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran.

"We are a net Energy Exporter, &amp; now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Because we have done so well with Energy over the last few years (thank you, Mr. President!), we are a net Energy Exporter, &amp; now the Number One Energy Producer in the World. We don’t need Middle Eastern Oil &amp; Gas, &amp; in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1173560246863876096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We don't need Middle Eastern Oil &amp; Gas, &amp; in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!" he added.

Watch Video:

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Trump's comments come after weekend drone strikes on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which slashed the country's oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap into their strategic reserves.

Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, have claimed responsibility.

On Sunday, Trump warned that the US was "locked and loaded" to respond to the Saturday attacks.

It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone strikes.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the US was the top global oil producer in 2018, turning out nearly 18 million barrels per day.

Saudi Arabia was second, with 12.42 million barrels per day.

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply oil to US allies, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran. "We are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted.

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply oil to US allies, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran. "We are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted. Because we have done so well with Energy over the last few years (thank you, Mr. President!), we are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World. We don’t need Middle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2019 × "We don't need Middle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!" he added. Watch Video: Trump's comments come after weekend drone strikes on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which slashed the country's oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap into their strategic reserves. Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, have claimed responsibility. On Sunday, Trump warned that the US was "locked and loaded" to respond to the Saturday attacks. It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone strikes. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the US was the top global oil producer in 2018, turning out nearly 18 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia was second, with 12.42 million barrels per day.

Don't need Middle East oil & gas, but will help our allies, says Trump after attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco

Speaking at the White House after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">John Bolton's surprise exit</a> as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction.

With the departure of Bolton, Pompeo has become the undisputed king of President Donald Trump's foreign policy -- with the exception, that is, of Trump himself.

The former soldier, lawyer and businessman has made a quick ascent in Washington since arriving as a Kansas congressman elected in the 2010 right-wing populist "Tea Party" movement.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wholl-replace-john-bolton-americas-next-national-security-adviser-249389">America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton?</a>

But many speculate that Pompeo will choose not to stay long in his newly powerful position, enticed by an opening to represent Kansas in the Senate next year -- perhaps with an eye on running for the top prize in the 2024 presidential election.

First tapped as CIA director before moving to the State Department last year, Pompeo is so close to Trump that the president last year said he was his only advisor with whom he has never argued.

Expectations even rose that Trump would name Pompeo to replace Bolton -- a rare dual-role as national security advisor and secretary of state last held by Henry Kissinger.

Trump on Thursday ruled out the possibility but called Pompeo "fantastic" and said, "I get along with him so well."

Yet Pompeo's power, analysts say, comes with a paradox. While Bolton, a Washington insider for over four decades, bulldozed his way to steer US foreign policy to the right on issues from Iran to Venezuela, Pompeo has risen because he is careful to follow Trump's lead.

"Pompeo is influential but it is important to be realistic about his influence -- he's influential because he does not push his agenda too much," said Tom Wright, a foreign policy scholar at the Brookings Institution.

"He knows when to give up. He is the last person standing but also he's not particularly influential on policy," he said.

"He pushes his views and then he gives up quite early on if he sense that Trump is going in another direction."

In tune with Trump

Pompeo, 55, made his name in Congress by blasting Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, for not stopping the deadly 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi.

As the top US diplomat, Pompeo hit the ground running with assertive conservative positions, such as demanding far-reaching concessions by Iran if it wants to remove unilateral US sanctions.

But Pompeo on Tuesday instead left open the possibility that Trump would meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said there were no preconditions.

Pompeo became Trump's fixer on North Korea, flying four times last year to the totalitarian state as the US leader sought a potentially landmark deal with Pyongyang.

Pompeo's State Department has also negotiated with the Taliban in hopes of achieving Trump's goal of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the US involvement in the 18-year conflict.

"Trump wants to have this diplomatic outreach to America's rivals. It's not Pompeo's idea. It's the president having an agenda and getting rid of people who oppose this," Wright said.

Trump's pivot toward diplomacy comes as he gears up for an election campaign next year, when he hopes to be able to present concrete achievements on the foreign policy front.

Pompeo has until June 1 to decide whether to run for the seat in Kansas -- a state that has the longest streak of any state in electing Republicans to the Senate.

A Senate seat would ensure Pompeo retains a senior post in Washington regardless of the outcome of next year's election or the whims of Trump.

But for now, Pompeo is a rare Trump official whose job appears secure.

Asked in an interview last month about their relationship, Pompeo said he often voiced disagreements with Trump.

"But when he makes a decision and it's legal, it is my task to go execute that with all the energy and power that I have."

Speaking at the White House after John Bolton's surprise exit as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction.

Speaking at the White House after John Bolton's surprise exit as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction. With the departure of Bolton, Pompeo has become the undisputed king of President Donald Trump's foreign policy -- with the exception, that is, of Trump himself. The former soldier, lawyer and businessman has made a quick ascent in Washington since arriving as a Kansas congressman elected in the 2010 right-wing populist "Tea Party" movement. Also read-- America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton? But many speculate that Pompeo will choose not to stay long in his newly powerful position, enticed by an opening to represent Kansas in the Senate next year -- perhaps with an eye on running for the top prize in the 2024 presidential election. First tapped as CIA director before moving to the State Department last year, Pompeo is so close to Trump that the president last year said he was his only advisor with whom he has never argued. Expectations even rose that Trump would name Pompeo to replace Bolton -- a rare dual-role as national security advisor and secretary of state last held by Henry Kissinger. Trump on Thursday ruled out the possibility but called Pompeo "fantastic" and said, "I get along with him so well." Yet Pompeo's power, analysts say, comes with a paradox. While Bolton, a Washington insider for over four decades, bulldozed his way to steer US foreign policy to the right on issues from Iran to Venezuela, Pompeo has risen because he is careful to follow Trump's lead. "Pompeo is influential but it is important to be realistic about his influence -- he's influential because he does not push his agenda too much," said Tom Wright, a foreign policy scholar at the Brookings Institution. "He knows when to give up. He is the last person standing but also he's not particularly influential on policy," he said. "He pushes his views and then he gives up quite early on if he sense that Trump is going in another direction." In tune with Trump Pompeo, 55, made his name in Congress by blasting Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, for not stopping the deadly 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. As the top US diplomat, Pompeo hit the ground running with assertive conservative positions, such as demanding far-reaching concessions by Iran if it wants to remove unilateral US sanctions. But Pompeo on Tuesday instead left open the possibility that Trump would meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said there were no preconditions. Pompeo became Trump's fixer on North Korea, flying four times last year to the totalitarian state as the US leader sought a potentially landmark deal with Pyongyang. Pompeo's State Department has also negotiated with the Taliban in hopes of achieving Trump's goal of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the US involvement in the 18-year conflict. "Trump wants to have this diplomatic outreach to America's rivals. It's not Pompeo's idea. It's the president having an agenda and getting rid of people who oppose this," Wright said. Trump's pivot toward diplomacy comes as he gears up for an election campaign next year, when he hopes to be able to present concrete achievements on the foreign policy front. Pompeo has until June 1 to decide whether to run for the seat in Kansas -- a state that has the longest streak of any state in electing Republicans to the Senate. A Senate seat would ensure Pompeo retains a senior post in Washington regardless of the outcome of next year's election or the whims of Trump. But for now, Pompeo is a rare Trump official whose job appears secure. Asked in an interview last month about their relationship, Pompeo said he often voiced disagreements with Trump. "But when he makes a decision and it's legal, it is my task to go execute that with all the energy and power that I have."

More than ever, Mike Pompeo at helm of Trump foreign policy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-us-north-korea-will-restart-dialogue-soon-244718">South Korean</a> President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ready-for-dialogue-or-confrontation-with-us-244911">North Korea</a>'s nuclear weapons programme.

Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing.

The announcement came days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-could-warm-up-to-talks-after-removal-of-war-maniac-bolton-248959">North Korea</a> said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month.

The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-be-glad-to-see-north-korea-us-resuming-talks-on-schedule-china-249155">revive talks </a>when they met in June at the inter-Korean border.

Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ?

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Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018.

Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say.

Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing. The announcement came days after North Korea said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month. The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to revive talks when they met in June at the inter-Korean border. Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ? × Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018. Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say. Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

Trump, South Korea's Moon, expected to meet at UN amid hopes for new North Korea talks

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Thursday it will subpoena <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">President Donald Trump</a>'s special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify on September 19, after the abrupt cancellation of talks with the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-sends-warning-to-us-president-donald-trump-in-bitter-exchange-249252">Taliban militia</a>.

Representative Eliot Engel, the committee's Democratic chairman, said he signed the subpoena after the US State Department ignored numerous requests for briefings by Khalilzad about the Afghanistan peace plan and the administration's path forward in the country.

Engel released a letter last week expressing frustration with the administration's failure to arrange briefings by Khalilzad. He said the State Department had refused requests in February, April and earlier this month for briefings or testimony.

“More than 2,000 American troops have died in Afghanistan, and I’m fed up with this Administration keeping Congress and the American people in the dark on the peace process and how we’re going to bring this long war to a close," Engel said in a statement.

"For months, we haven’t been able to get answers on the Afghanistan peace plan, and now the President is saying the plan is dead. We need to hear directly from the Administration’s point person on Afghanistan to understand how this process went off the rails. I expect to see Ambassador Khalilzad in our hearing room next Thursday at 10 o’clock sharp,” Engel said.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the subpoena.

Trump proclaimed negotiations with Afghanistan's Taliban leaders dead on Monday after scrapping talks with the group planned for Camp David, Maryland, during the weekend after a US soldier was killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul.

The abrupt announcement - and news that Trump had planned to bring Taliban leaders to the American presidential retreat - angered many in Congress.

Bringing US troops home from Afghanistan has been one of Trump's main foreign policy objectives, and the Republican president said his administration was still thinking about a drawdown of the 14,000 US soldiers in the country.

It was the first subpoena issued by the committee since Democrats took control of the House in January and Engel became chairman.

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Thursday it will subpoena President Donald Trump's special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify on September 19, after the abrupt cancellation of talks with the country's Taliban militia.

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Thursday it will subpoena President Donald Trump's special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify on September 19, after the abrupt cancellation of talks with the country's Taliban militia. Representative Eliot Engel, the committee's Democratic chairman, said he signed the subpoena after the US State Department ignored numerous requests for briefings by Khalilzad about the Afghanistan peace plan and the administration's path forward in the country. Engel released a letter last week expressing frustration with the administration's failure to arrange briefings by Khalilzad. He said the State Department had refused requests in February, April and earlier this month for briefings or testimony. “More than 2,000 American troops have died in Afghanistan, and I’m fed up with this Administration keeping Congress and the American people in the dark on the peace process and how we’re going to bring this long war to a close," Engel said in a statement. "For months, we haven’t been able to get answers on the Afghanistan peace plan, and now the President is saying the plan is dead. We need to hear directly from the Administration’s point person on Afghanistan to understand how this process went off the rails. I expect to see Ambassador Khalilzad in our hearing room next Thursday at 10 o’clock sharp,” Engel said. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the subpoena. Trump proclaimed negotiations with Afghanistan's Taliban leaders dead on Monday after scrapping talks with the group planned for Camp David, Maryland, during the weekend after a US soldier was killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul. The abrupt announcement - and news that Trump had planned to bring Taliban leaders to the American presidential retreat - angered many in Congress. Bringing US troops home from Afghanistan has been one of Trump's main foreign policy objectives, and the Republican president said his administration was still thinking about a drawdown of the 14,000 US soldiers in the country. It was the first subpoena issued by the committee since Democrats took control of the House in January and Engel became chairman.

US House panel to force testimony from Trump's Afghan envoy

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">national security advisor</a> won't bring a softening of the US position on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/left-behind-venezuelas-kids-growing-up-without-parents-247914">Venezuela</a>.

Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises</a>

However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden.

"In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said.

The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry.

Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power.

Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce.

More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday. This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line. Also read: Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden. "In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said. The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry. Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce. More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

Trump says national security advisor restrained him on Venezuela

The Mexican government protested and Central American migrants feared deportation back to their violent homelands on Thursday after the US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-trump-to-deny-asylum-to-many-central-americans-249093">to slam the door on asylum-seekers at the US-Mexican border</a>.

The court on Wednesday found that Trump`s restrictive asylum rule could go into effect nationwide while a lawsuit challenging its underlying legality proceeds, handing the president a victory as he brandishes his anti-immigration credentials for the November 2020 presidential election.

The rule requires<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/migrants-will-pay-the-price-of-mexicos-tariff-deal-with-trump-226455"> immigrants who want asylum </a>to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travel on the way to the United States, enabling the United States to combat a record surge in Central American asylum-seekers.

Trump`s immigration crackdown has animated his base of supporters while immigrant advocates in the United States fear the court decision will endanger the lives of migrants, many of them fleeing poverty, street gangs and domestic violence in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

With the threat of automatic rejection hanging over the most recent arrivals, thousands of migrants are cramped into shelters or sleeping in the streets of Mexican border cities in places such as the state of Tamaulipas, where the US State Department has placed a "do not travel" advisory due to violent crime similar to its warnings against visiting war-torn Sudan or Syria.

One asylum-seeker from El Salvador who staying in a Tijuana shelter while awaiting her immigration hearing in San Diego said she could only hope to God she would not be sent back.

"I`m very scared, I hope this won`t affect me. I cannot return to my country, they tried to rape me there twice because I am a lesbian and the last time I ended up in a hospital in intensive care," said Veronica Martinez, 23. "I trust in God that the court`s decision does not affect me."

The Mexican government also pushed back against the US high court`s action, one that could create a new headache for Mexico.

"This is the ruling by the court, it`s a US issue, and obviously we don`t agree with it, we have a different policy," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a news conference.

Tense relations

The court`s decision comes at a delicate time for Mexican-US relations.&nbsp;

Under Trump`s threat of imposing tariffs, Mexico has agreed to house many of the surging number of Central American asylum-seekers south of the border pending their US hearings.

That gesture has led to a sharp decline in US apprehensions and rejections of migrants at the border, winning Mexico praise from Trump following a White House meeting on Tuesday.

But Mexico has resisted US pressure to sign a formal "safe third country" agreement that would commit it to hearing the asylum cases of migrants from Central American and elsewhere, a move that would take even more pressure off the US border.

The downside for Mexico is that the buildup of migrants at the northern border is putting stress on schools, health clinics and housing.

"We have seen outbreaks of acts of xenophobia in Mexico that did not exist before, mainly in the north of the country," said Israel Ibarra, an immigration expert with the Continente Movil consultancy in Tijuana.

Francisco Gallardo, director of the Casa de Migrantes shelter in Reynosa, said migrants are sleeping in tents beside a bridge linking the two countries and are sure to grow more discouraged by the Supreme Court decision.

"We`ll see what measures can be taken because there are about 500 people next to the bridge," Gallardo said.

Under the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols, the US government built temporary, soft-sided courthouses near the border ports of entry in Laredo and Brownsville, Texas, and started hearing cases this week.

In Harlingen, Texas, Judge Delia Gonzalez took the bench Thursday, linked by video conference to a courtroom 30 miles (50 km) away in Brownsville.

She heard the cases of two Salvadorans who crossed from Mexico into south Texas in August, were arrested by US officers, and returned to the Mexican border town of Matamoros.

A Salvadoran woman said she had received cruel threats from gangs, and Gonzalez asked if she feared returning.

"Yes, a lot," the woman said.

After brief hearings, she and a Salvadoran man were given court dates to appear again in October.

The Mexican government protested and Central American migrants feared deportation back to their violent homelands on Thursday after the US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to slam the door on asylum-seekers at the US-Mexican border.

The Mexican government protested and Central American migrants feared deportation back to their violent homelands on Thursday after the US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to slam the door on asylum-seekers at the US-Mexican border. The court on Wednesday found that Trump`s restrictive asylum rule could go into effect nationwide while a lawsuit challenging its underlying legality proceeds, handing the president a victory as he brandishes his anti-immigration credentials for the November 2020 presidential election. The rule requires immigrants who want asylum to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travel on the way to the United States, enabling the United States to combat a record surge in Central American asylum-seekers. Trump`s immigration crackdown has animated his base of supporters while immigrant advocates in the United States fear the court decision will endanger the lives of migrants, many of them fleeing poverty, street gangs and domestic violence in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. With the threat of automatic rejection hanging over the most recent arrivals, thousands of migrants are cramped into shelters or sleeping in the streets of Mexican border cities in places such as the state of Tamaulipas, where the US State Department has placed a "do not travel" advisory due to violent crime similar to its warnings against visiting war-torn Sudan or Syria. One asylum-seeker from El Salvador who staying in a Tijuana shelter while awaiting her immigration hearing in San Diego said she could only hope to God she would not be sent back. "I`m very scared, I hope this won`t affect me. I cannot return to my country, they tried to rape me there twice because I am a lesbian and the last time I ended up in a hospital in intensive care," said Veronica Martinez, 23. "I trust in God that the court`s decision does not affect me." The Mexican government also pushed back against the US high court`s action, one that could create a new headache for Mexico. "This is the ruling by the court, it`s a US issue, and obviously we don`t agree with it, we have a different policy," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a news conference. Tense relations The court`s decision comes at a delicate time for Mexican-US relations. Under Trump`s threat of imposing tariffs, Mexico has agreed to house many of the surging number of Central American asylum-seekers south of the border pending their US hearings. That gesture has led to a sharp decline in US apprehensions and rejections of migrants at the border, winning Mexico praise from Trump following a White House meeting on Tuesday. But Mexico has resisted US pressure to sign a formal "safe third country" agreement that would commit it to hearing the asylum cases of migrants from Central American and elsewhere, a move that would take even more pressure off the US border. The downside for Mexico is that the buildup of migrants at the northern border is putting stress on schools, health clinics and housing. "We have seen outbreaks of acts of xenophobia in Mexico that did not exist before, mainly in the north of the country," said Israel Ibarra, an immigration expert with the Continente Movil consultancy in Tijuana. Francisco Gallardo, director of the Casa de Migrantes shelter in Reynosa, said migrants are sleeping in tents beside a bridge linking the two countries and are sure to grow more discouraged by the Supreme Court decision. "We`ll see what measures can be taken because there are about 500 people next to the bridge," Gallardo said. Under the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols, the US government built temporary, soft-sided courthouses near the border ports of entry in Laredo and Brownsville, Texas, and started hearing cases this week. In Harlingen, Texas, Judge Delia Gonzalez took the bench Thursday, linked by video conference to a courtroom 30 miles (50 km) away in Brownsville. She heard the cases of two Salvadorans who crossed from Mexico into south Texas in August, were arrested by US officers, and returned to the Mexican border town of Matamoros. A Salvadoran woman said she had received cruel threats from gangs, and Gonzalez asked if she feared returning. "Yes, a lot," the woman said. After brief hearings, she and a Salvadoran man were given court dates to appear again in October.

Mexico pushes back after top US court favours Trump on shunning migrants

The Trump administration announced plans on Wednesday to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves in a widening crackdown on vaping, as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction.

President Donald Trump and top US officials expressed concern about surging teenage use of e-cigarettes, and the move comes as health officials are investigating a handful of deaths and potentially hundreds of lung illnesses tied to vaping.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that, with Trump`s blessing, the US Food and Drug Administration was working on a "guidance document" that would lead to a ban of all e-cigarette flavours aside from tobacco flavouring.

"Once the FDA would finalise this guidance, we would begin enforcement actions to remove all such products from the marketplace," Azar told reporters during a meeting with the president and first lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office.

The ban would include mint and menthol flavouring as well as bubble gum, candy, fruit, alcohol and other flavours, he said.

Tobacco flavouring would be allowed to remain, subject to companies` filing for approval from the FDA. Even that would be at risk if the government determined children were attracted to it or that it was being marketed to them, Azar said.

The move is the most sweeping action yet by the US government to crack down on what it has called an "epidemic" of youth e-cigarette usage.

The FDA in March formally proposed guidelines that would prohibit the sale of flavoured e-cigarette products, except mint and menthol, in traditional retail outlets. Under that proposal, which had not been finalised, e-cigarette makers could still sell flavoured products online and in age-restricted stores, such as vape shops.

Wednesday’s proposal goes much further, banning the sale of all flavoured e-cigarette products across all retail channels, aside from tobacco-flavored products.

Despite the increased public attention around teenage e-cigarette use over the last year, HHS on Wednesday pointed to data showing that the problem has worsened. Preliminary data shows more than a quarter of US&nbsp;high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. That is up from 20.8% last year and 11.7 per cent in 2017.

Six deaths have been linked to vaping and US public health officials are investigating 450 cases of potential vaping-related lung illness across 33 states and one US territory. Health officials have cited patients’ use of cannabis liquids in many, though not all, of those cases, some of which only involved nicotine vaping.

"We have a problem in our country, it`s a new problem ... and it`s called vaping, especially vaping as it pertains to innocent children," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "There have been deaths and there have been a lot of other problems."

Surge in use by adolescents

Juul Labs Inc, which dominates the US e-cigarette market, has faced withering criticism over the last two years after becoming wildly popular among teenagers. The company has taken steps to try to reduce its appeal among youth, including pulling flavours except mint and menthol from traditional retail stores, suspending its social media accounts and toughening age verification online.

In December, Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc made a $12.8 billion investment in Juul, taking a 35 per cent stake.

Juul spokesman Ted Kwong said "we strongly agree with the need for aggressive category-wide action on flavoured products," adding the company "will fully comply with the final FDA policy when effective." 
A spokesman for Imperial Brands Plc, which sells the Blu line of e-cigarettes, declined to comment.

Kaelan Hollon, a spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co, which sells Vuse e-cigarettes in the United States, did not directly address the proposed flavor ban but said the company shares the administration`s goal of keeping products away from youth.

Wednesday`s move by the White House comes after more than a year of mounting pressure from lawmakers, public health advocates and parents looking to end marketing of products aimed at youth.

In recent months state and local governments have also stepped in. In June, San Francisco approved a ban on the sale of all e-cigarette products, and last week Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to ban flavoured e-cigarettes in her state.

A nationwide investigation led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA has not definitively linked the illnesses to any specific e-cigarette product or ingredient, although health officials have expressed suspicions about the effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate, which is contained in some THC vaping products.

The FDA has urged consumers to avoid inhaling vitamin E acetate, buying vaping products on the street, using marijuana-derived oil with the products or modifying a store-bought vape product.

While e-cigarettes are marketed as tools to help smokers quit, health officials believe some companies are attracting a new generation of nicotine users.

Azar said recent data showed a surge in adolescent usage of e-cigarettes and that youth were drawn to flavours including mint and menthol. About 8 million US adults use such cigarettes and 5 million children were doing so as well.

"This is exceptionally harmful to our children," he said. "An entire generation of children risk becoming addicted to nicotine because of the attractiveness ... and availability of these vaping products."

E-cigarette makers will still have the chance to demonstrate their flavoured products serve a public health purpose.

All such companies are required to submit applications to the FDA by next May demonstrating their products and proposed flavours provide a net public health benefit. The FDA, after reviewing those applications, could authorise companies to sell flavoured products if the agency is satisfied with the proposals.

The Trump administration announced plans on Wednesday to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves in a widening crackdown on vaping, as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction.

The Trump administration announced plans on Wednesday to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves in a widening crackdown on vaping, as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction. President Donald Trump and top US officials expressed concern about surging teenage use of e-cigarettes, and the move comes as health officials are investigating a handful of deaths and potentially hundreds of lung illnesses tied to vaping. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that, with Trump`s blessing, the US Food and Drug Administration was working on a "guidance document" that would lead to a ban of all e-cigarette flavours aside from tobacco flavouring. "Once the FDA would finalise this guidance, we would begin enforcement actions to remove all such products from the marketplace," Azar told reporters during a meeting with the president and first lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office. The ban would include mint and menthol flavouring as well as bubble gum, candy, fruit, alcohol and other flavours, he said. Tobacco flavouring would be allowed to remain, subject to companies` filing for approval from the FDA. Even that would be at risk if the government determined children were attracted to it or that it was being marketed to them, Azar said. The move is the most sweeping action yet by the US government to crack down on what it has called an "epidemic" of youth e-cigarette usage. The FDA in March formally proposed guidelines that would prohibit the sale of flavoured e-cigarette products, except mint and menthol, in traditional retail outlets. Under that proposal, which had not been finalised, e-cigarette makers could still sell flavoured products online and in age-restricted stores, such as vape shops. Wednesday’s proposal goes much further, banning the sale of all flavoured e-cigarette products across all retail channels, aside from tobacco-flavored products. Despite the increased public attention around teenage e-cigarette use over the last year, HHS on Wednesday pointed to data showing that the problem has worsened. Preliminary data shows more than a quarter of US high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. That is up from 20.8% last year and 11.7 per cent in 2017. Six deaths have been linked to vaping and US public health officials are investigating 450 cases of potential vaping-related lung illness across 33 states and one US territory. Health officials have cited patients’ use of cannabis liquids in many, though not all, of those cases, some of which only involved nicotine vaping. "We have a problem in our country, it`s a new problem ... and it`s called vaping, especially vaping as it pertains to innocent children," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "There have been deaths and there have been a lot of other problems." Surge in use by adolescents Juul Labs Inc, which dominates the US e-cigarette market, has faced withering criticism over the last two years after becoming wildly popular among teenagers. The company has taken steps to try to reduce its appeal among youth, including pulling flavours except mint and menthol from traditional retail stores, suspending its social media accounts and toughening age verification online. In December, Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc made a $12.8 billion investment in Juul, taking a 35 per cent stake. Juul spokesman Ted Kwong said "we strongly agree with the need for aggressive category-wide action on flavoured products," adding the company "will fully comply with the final FDA policy when effective." A spokesman for Imperial Brands Plc, which sells the Blu line of e-cigarettes, declined to comment. Kaelan Hollon, a spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co, which sells Vuse e-cigarettes in the United States, did not directly address the proposed flavor ban but said the company shares the administration`s goal of keeping products away from youth. Wednesday`s move by the White House comes after more than a year of mounting pressure from lawmakers, public health advocates and parents looking to end marketing of products aimed at youth. In recent months state and local governments have also stepped in. In June, San Francisco approved a ban on the sale of all e-cigarette products, and last week Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to ban flavoured e-cigarettes in her state. A nationwide investigation led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA has not definitively linked the illnesses to any specific e-cigarette product or ingredient, although health officials have expressed suspicions about the effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate, which is contained in some THC vaping products. The FDA has urged consumers to avoid inhaling vitamin E acetate, buying vaping products on the street, using marijuana-derived oil with the products or modifying a store-bought vape product. While e-cigarettes are marketed as tools to help smokers quit, health officials believe some companies are attracting a new generation of nicotine users. Azar said recent data showed a surge in adolescent usage of e-cigarettes and that youth were drawn to flavours including mint and menthol. About 8 million US adults use such cigarettes and 5 million children were doing so as well. "This is exceptionally harmful to our children," he said. "An entire generation of children risk becoming addicted to nicotine because of the attractiveness ... and availability of these vaping products." E-cigarette makers will still have the chance to demonstrate their flavoured products serve a public health purpose. All such companies are required to submit applications to the FDA by next May demonstrating their products and proposed flavours provide a net public health benefit. The FDA, after reviewing those applications, could authorise companies to sell flavoured products if the agency is satisfied with the proposals.

Trump administration seeks ban on flavoured e-cigarettes to combat youth addiction

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods.

Stock markets in Asia rose on the news in early Thursday trade, as the concessions came days ahead of a planned meeting aimed at defusing the escalating<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-heightened-us-china-tensions-science-suffers-collateral-damage-228220"> trade war between the world`s two largest economies</a>.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-china-trade-war-the-levers-they-can-pull-224809">US-China trade war: The levers they can pull</a>

China`s decision to exempt some US goods was a "big move" by Beijing and a positive gesture before trade negotiators from both countries meet in Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House.

China on Wednesday announced its first batch of tariff exemptions for 16 types of US products, including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed ingredients whey and fish meal, according to a Ministry of Finance statement on its website.

"They made a couple of moves ... that were pretty good," Trump said at an unrelated event on vaping. "I think it was a gesture, okay? But it was a big move."

On Wednesday, Trump wrote in a post on Twitter that the United States had agreed to delay increasing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1 to October 15 "as a gesture of good will." The tariffs were set to increase to 30 per cent&nbsp;from 25 per cent&nbsp;on the goods.

Trump said he hoped to reach a trade agreement with China following more than a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of tariffs that have roiled global markets.

"I deal with them and I know them and I like them," he said. "I hope we can do something."

Asian stocks rose on Thursday, while China`s yuan currency was also up 0.27 per cent in offshore trade, as investors hoped for a thaw in US-China trade frictions.

Deputy trade negotiators are due to meet in Washington in mid-September, with minister-level talks to follow in October. Exact dates for the meetings have not been released.&nbsp;

The gestures may ease tensions ahead of the negotiations, but some analysts don`t see it as a signal that both sides are readying a deal.

"The exemption could be seen as a gesture of sincerity towards the US ahead of negotiations in October but is probably more a means of supporting the economy," ING`s Greater China economist Iris Pang wrote in a note.&nbsp;

"There are still many uncertainties in the coming trade talks. An exemption list of just 16 items will not change China`s stance," she said.

Indeed, the exempted list pales in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China`s additional tariffs.&nbsp;

Moreover, major US imports, such as soybeans and pork, are still subject to hefty additional duties, as China has ramped up imports from Brazil and other supplying countries.

Beijing has said it would work on exempting some US products from tariffs if they are not easily substituted from elsewhere. The United States is by far China`s largest supplier of whey, which is an important ingredient in piglet feed and difficult to source in large volumes from elsewhere.

Analysts say that with its duties on soybeans and US-made cars, China is taking aim at a key political support base of Trump, mainly the factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time of receding momentum in the world`s top economy.

China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US&nbsp;Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25 per cent&nbsp;levy on about $50 billion of US imports.

In all, the United States and China have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has raised the spectre of a global recession, with further tariffs slated to take effect in coming months.

The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry`s website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures," the ministry said in its statement.

The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to September 16, 2020, it said. Beijing said in May that it would start a waiver programme, amid growing worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its already slowing economy.

ING`s Pang noted the United States had also exempted imports of 110 Chinese products from tariffs in July, including high-value items such as medical equipment and parts.

Talks

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are expected to meet in early October in the US capital, but key officials are tamping down expectations for a major accord.

For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access.

Beijing and Washington were close to a deal last spring but US officials said China backed away from an agreed text over a reluctance to change laws to address US complaints.

The South China Morning Post reported, citing an unidentified source, that China was expected to buy more agricultural products in hopes of a better trade deal with the United States.

Senior White House adviser Peter Navarro this week urged investors, businesses and the public to be patient about the trade dispute.

Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by a prominent American business association showed the trade dispute was souring the profit and investment outlook for US companies operating in the world`s second-biggest economy.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods. Stock markets in Asia rose on the news in early Thursday trade, as the concessions came days ahead of a planned meeting aimed at defusing the escalating trade war between the world`s two largest economies. Also read-- US-China trade war: The levers they can pull China`s decision to exempt some US goods was a "big move" by Beijing and a positive gesture before trade negotiators from both countries meet in Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House. China on Wednesday announced its first batch of tariff exemptions for 16 types of US products, including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed ingredients whey and fish meal, according to a Ministry of Finance statement on its website. "They made a couple of moves ... that were pretty good," Trump said at an unrelated event on vaping. "I think it was a gesture, okay? But it was a big move." On Wednesday, Trump wrote in a post on Twitter that the United States had agreed to delay increasing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1 to October 15 "as a gesture of good will." The tariffs were set to increase to 30 per cent from 25 per cent on the goods. Trump said he hoped to reach a trade agreement with China following more than a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of tariffs that have roiled global markets. "I deal with them and I know them and I like them," he said. "I hope we can do something." Asian stocks rose on Thursday, while China`s yuan currency was also up 0.27 per cent in offshore trade, as investors hoped for a thaw in US-China trade frictions. Deputy trade negotiators are due to meet in Washington in mid-September, with minister-level talks to follow in October. Exact dates for the meetings have not been released. The gestures may ease tensions ahead of the negotiations, but some analysts don`t see it as a signal that both sides are readying a deal. "The exemption could be seen as a gesture of sincerity towards the US ahead of negotiations in October but is probably more a means of supporting the economy," ING`s Greater China economist Iris Pang wrote in a note. "There are still many uncertainties in the coming trade talks. An exemption list of just 16 items will not change China`s stance," she said. Indeed, the exempted list pales in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China`s additional tariffs. Moreover, major US imports, such as soybeans and pork, are still subject to hefty additional duties, as China has ramped up imports from Brazil and other supplying countries. Beijing has said it would work on exempting some US products from tariffs if they are not easily substituted from elsewhere. The United States is by far China`s largest supplier of whey, which is an important ingredient in piglet feed and difficult to source in large volumes from elsewhere. Analysts say that with its duties on soybeans and US-made cars, China is taking aim at a key political support base of Trump, mainly the factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time of receding momentum in the world`s top economy. China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25 per cent levy on about $50 billion of US imports. In all, the United States and China have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has raised the spectre of a global recession, with further tariffs slated to take effect in coming months. The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry`s website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures," the ministry said in its statement. The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to September 16, 2020, it said. Beijing said in May that it would start a waiver programme, amid growing worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its already slowing economy. ING`s Pang noted the United States had also exempted imports of 110 Chinese products from tariffs in July, including high-value items such as medical equipment and parts. Talks Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are expected to meet in early October in the US capital, but key officials are tamping down expectations for a major accord. For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access. Beijing and Washington were close to a deal last spring but US officials said China backed away from an agreed text over a reluctance to change laws to address US complaints. The South China Morning Post reported, citing an unidentified source, that China was expected to buy more agricultural products in hopes of a better trade deal with the United States. Senior White House adviser Peter Navarro this week urged investors, businesses and the public to be patient about the trade dispute. Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by a prominent American business association showed the trade dispute was souring the profit and investment outlook for US companies operating in the world`s second-biggest economy.

As ‘goodwill gesture', US will delay 5% boost in tariffs on Chinese imports: Trump

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a request by President Donald Trump`s administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-give-additional-120-million-to-help-venezuelan-migrants-247770">immigrants </a>at the US-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-deny-citizenship-to-immigrants-who-use-public-benefits-us-242502">immigration policies</a>.

The court said the rule, which requires most<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/few-immigrants-fit-the-legal-definition-of-global-refugees-239846"> immigrants</a> who want asylum to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travelled on their way to the United States, could go into effect as litigation challenging its legality continues.

Among the nine judges on the court, liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented.

The court`s ruling handed a victory to Trump at a time when much of his immigration agenda had been struck down by lower courts. "BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum!" Trump said on Twitter.

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BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum! <a href="https://t.co/9Ka00qK1Ob">https://t.co/9Ka00qK1Ob</a>
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The rule would bar almost all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shock-investment-urged-to-stem-flow-of-central-american-migrants-245236">immigrants</a> from applying for asylum at the southern border. It represents the latest effort by Trump`s administration to crack down on immigration, a signature issue during his presidency and 2020 re-election bid.

The American Civil Liberties Union and others who challenged the administration`s policy in federal court said it violates US immigration law and accused the administration of failing to follow the correct legal process in issuing the rule, which was unveiled on July 15.

In her dissent, Sotomayor said that the government`s rule may be in significant tension with the asylum statute.

"It is especially concerning, moreover, that the rule the government promulgated topples decades of settled asylum practices and affects some of the most vulnerable people in the Western Hemisphere — without affording the public a chance to weigh in."

Eight days after the rule went into effect in July, California-based US District Judge Jon Tigar issued a nationwide injunction blocking it.

Then began a back-and-forth between Tigar and the 9th Circuit, which scaled back the injunction so that the Trump rule was blocked in the border states of California and Arizona while in effect in Texas and New Mexico.

Tigar ruled to restore the nationwide ban on Monday, but the 9th Circuit scaled it back again on Tuesday night.

They were both trumped by Supreme Court, which will allow the asylum restriction to remain in place until the underlying legality of the rule is determined at trial.

"This is just a temporary step, and we`re hopeful we`ll prevail at the end of the day," ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said. "The lives of thousands of families are at stake."

The Republican president`s administration issued the rule in an attempt to reduce the surging number of asylum claims primarily by Central American migrants who have crossed the US-Mexico border in large numbers during his presidency.

The rule would block nearly all families and individuals from countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala from entering the United States as asylum seekers after crossing through Mexico. The rule would keep asylum protections for Mexican citizens.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said the Trump administration was "pleased" by the Supreme Court`s decision, which he said rejected an "erroneous" ruling by the lower court judge.

But Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the US House of Representatives` Judiciary Committee, and Zoe Lofgren, the head of the judiciary panel`s immigration subcommittee, called the court`s decision disappointing.

"Lives will be lost. This rule will result in those fleeing fear and persecution to be turned away at our doorstep and will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region," they said in a statement.

Government argued right to set policy

The rule drew legal challenges including from a coalition of groups represented by the ACLU who accused the administration of pursuing an "asylum ban" and jeopardizing the safety of migrants fleeing persecution.

In the administration`s request to fully enforce the rule, US Solicitor General Noel Francisco asked the Supreme Court to issue a stay blocking the injunction while litigation over the issue proceeds because the judge`s order interferes with the government`s authority to establish immigration policy.

The administration said the rule screens out asylum claims that are unlikely to succeed and "deters aliens without a genuine need for asylum from making the arduous and potentially dangerous journey from Central America to the United States."

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a request by President Donald Trump`s administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by immigrants at the US-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline immigration policies.

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a request by President Donald Trump`s administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by immigrants at the US-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline immigration policies. The court said the rule, which requires most immigrants who want asylum to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travelled on their way to the United States, could go into effect as litigation challenging its legality continues. Among the nine judges on the court, liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented. The court`s ruling handed a victory to Trump at a time when much of his immigration agenda had been struck down by lower courts. "BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum!" Trump said on Twitter. BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum! https://t.co/9Ka00qK1Ob — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2019 × The rule would bar almost all immigrants from applying for asylum at the southern border. It represents the latest effort by Trump`s administration to crack down on immigration, a signature issue during his presidency and 2020 re-election bid. The American Civil Liberties Union and others who challenged the administration`s policy in federal court said it violates US immigration law and accused the administration of failing to follow the correct legal process in issuing the rule, which was unveiled on July 15. In her dissent, Sotomayor said that the government`s rule may be in significant tension with the asylum statute. "It is especially concerning, moreover, that the rule the government promulgated topples decades of settled asylum practices and affects some of the most vulnerable people in the Western Hemisphere — without affording the public a chance to weigh in." Eight days after the rule went into effect in July, California-based US District Judge Jon Tigar issued a nationwide injunction blocking it. Then began a back-and-forth between Tigar and the 9th Circuit, which scaled back the injunction so that the Trump rule was blocked in the border states of California and Arizona while in effect in Texas and New Mexico. Tigar ruled to restore the nationwide ban on Monday, but the 9th Circuit scaled it back again on Tuesday night. They were both trumped by Supreme Court, which will allow the asylum restriction to remain in place until the underlying legality of the rule is determined at trial. "This is just a temporary step, and we`re hopeful we`ll prevail at the end of the day," ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said. "The lives of thousands of families are at stake." The Republican president`s administration issued the rule in an attempt to reduce the surging number of asylum claims primarily by Central American migrants who have crossed the US-Mexico border in large numbers during his presidency. The rule would block nearly all families and individuals from countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala from entering the United States as asylum seekers after crossing through Mexico. The rule would keep asylum protections for Mexican citizens. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said the Trump administration was "pleased" by the Supreme Court`s decision, which he said rejected an "erroneous" ruling by the lower court judge. But Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the US House of Representatives` Judiciary Committee, and Zoe Lofgren, the head of the judiciary panel`s immigration subcommittee, called the court`s decision disappointing. "Lives will be lost. This rule will result in those fleeing fear and persecution to be turned away at our doorstep and will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region," they said in a statement. Government argued right to set policy The rule drew legal challenges including from a coalition of groups represented by the ACLU who accused the administration of pursuing an "asylum ban" and jeopardizing the safety of migrants fleeing persecution. In the administration`s request to fully enforce the rule, US Solicitor General Noel Francisco asked the Supreme Court to issue a stay blocking the injunction while litigation over the issue proceeds because the judge`s order interferes with the government`s authority to establish immigration policy. The administration said the rule screens out asylum claims that are unlikely to succeed and "deters aliens without a genuine need for asylum from making the arduous and potentially dangerous journey from Central America to the United States."

US Supreme Court allows Trump to deny asylum to many Central Americans

President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that what he describes as an unprecedented US military assault against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">Taliban in Afghanistan is to continue</a> just five days after he scrapped peace talks.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Trump said that over "the last four days" US forces have "hit our enemy harder than they have ever been hit before and that will continue."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-peace-talks-between-us-and-taliban-cancelled-248700/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump said the assault was ordered after he cancelled secret peace talks with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-keep-open-door-to-talks-after-summit-scrapped-248511">Taliban over the weekend</a> in retaliation for a bomb attack that killed one US soldier last week.

After a solemn commemoration at Ground Zero in Manhattan, Trump spoke at a Pentagon event honouring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks -- announcing an unprecedented escalation of the military assault on the Taliban.

The nature of the offensive was not immediately clear but Trump said it was ordered after he cancelled peace talks with the Taliban over the weekend in retaliation for a bomb attack that killed one US soldier last week.

He also warned the terrorists&nbsp;against ever carrying out an attack in the US again.

"If for any reason, they come back to our country, we will go wherever they are, and use power, the likes of which the United States has never used before," Trump said.

"I'm not even talking about nuclear power. They will never have seen anything like what will happen to them," he added.

President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that what he describes as an unprecedented US military assault against the Taliban in Afghanistan is to continue just five days after he scrapped peace talks.

President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that what he describes as an unprecedented US military assault against the Taliban in Afghanistan is to continue just five days after he scrapped peace talks. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Trump said that over "the last four days" US forces have "hit our enemy harder than they have ever been hit before and that will continue." Watch Video: Trump said the assault was ordered after he cancelled secret peace talks with the Taliban over the weekend in retaliation for a bomb attack that killed one US soldier last week. After a solemn commemoration at Ground Zero in Manhattan, Trump spoke at a Pentagon event honouring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks -- announcing an unprecedented escalation of the military assault on the Taliban. The nature of the offensive was not immediately clear but Trump said it was ordered after he cancelled peace talks with the Taliban over the weekend in retaliation for a bomb attack that killed one US soldier last week. He also warned the terrorists against ever carrying out an attack in the US again. "If for any reason, they come back to our country, we will go wherever they are, and use power, the likes of which the United States has never used before," Trump said. "I'm not even talking about nuclear power. They will never have seen anything like what will happen to them," he added.

In last four days, have hit enemy harder than ever before: Trump on 9/11 attack anniversary

President Donald Trump wants US "interest rates down to zero, or less," he tweeted Wednesday amid widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month.

"We should then start to refinance our debt. Interest cost could be brought way down,&nbsp;while at the same time substantially lengthening the term," he added.

"It is only the naivete of Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve that doesn't allow us to do what other countries are already doing," he asserted.

"A once in a lifetime opportunity that we are missing because of 'Boneheads,"&nbsp;Trump said, in perhaps his most insulting comment to date about the US central bank.

As it becomes increasingly apparent that the US economy has slowed in 2019, in large part because of concerns about Trump's trade war with China, Trump has publicly berated Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the independent Fed for failing to loosen monetary policy fast enough.

The "Federal Reserve should get our interest rates down to zero, or less," Trump said.

Investors overwhelmingly expect the Fed to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut next week. But cutting to zero would be an extreme move reserved only for a severe economic crisis.

After raising the benchmark lending rate four times last year, to a range of 2.0-2.25 per cent, the central bank cut in July for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy.

Powell has vowed to act to ensure that American economic expansion continues but warned the central bank has no "rulebook" for dealing with trade conflict.

Trump selected Powell to take over Fed leadership but has heaped constant criticism on him for his handling of the policy, even speculating about whether he may be a bigger "enemy" than Beijing.

With many of the world's central banks cutting rates amid signs of flagging economic growth, Trump says the Fed is putting the United States at a disadvantage.

He also has complained about the Fed's efforts to reduce its massive holdings of securities, that were built up during the 2008 global financial crisis after rates were cut to zero in an attempt to shore up the ravaged economy.

"We have the great currency, power, and balance sheet," he tweeted.

While the Fed is not expecting a recession, trade frictions, as well as slower global growth and persistently low inflation, are among the "significant risks" that policymakers are watching, the Fed chair said during a conversation at the University of Zurich on Friday.

The US economic landscape has shifted this year, as business investment has weakened noticeably, manufacturing has fallen into decline and job creation has slowed.

And with other world economies slowing, the US dollar has strengthened as investors find a safe haven in purchases of US assets like government debt.

The stronger dollar tends to make US exports more expensive.

The Fed chair noted, however, that unemployment had remained near historic lows for about 18 months while wages were rising, fueling consumer spending.

Powell, whom Trump promoted to Fed chairman last year, has reiterated that he and his Fed colleagues ignore such comments when they set monetary policy.

President Donald Trump wants US "interest rates down to zero, or less," he tweeted Wednesday amid widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month.

President Donald Trump wants US "interest rates down to zero, or less," he tweeted Wednesday amid widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month. "We should then start to refinance our debt. Interest cost could be brought way down, while at the same time substantially lengthening the term," he added. "It is only the naivete of Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve that doesn't allow us to do what other countries are already doing," he asserted. "A once in a lifetime opportunity that we are missing because of 'Boneheads," Trump said, in perhaps his most insulting comment to date about the US central bank. As it becomes increasingly apparent that the US economy has slowed in 2019, in large part because of concerns about Trump's trade war with China, Trump has publicly berated Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the independent Fed for failing to loosen monetary policy fast enough. The "Federal Reserve should get our interest rates down to zero, or less," Trump said. Investors overwhelmingly expect the Fed to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut next week. But cutting to zero would be an extreme move reserved only for a severe economic crisis. After raising the benchmark lending rate four times last year, to a range of 2.0-2.25 per cent, the central bank cut in July for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy. Powell has vowed to act to ensure that American economic expansion continues but warned the central bank has no "rulebook" for dealing with trade conflict. Trump selected Powell to take over Fed leadership but has heaped constant criticism on him for his handling of the policy, even speculating about whether he may be a bigger "enemy" than Beijing. With many of the world's central banks cutting rates amid signs of flagging economic growth, Trump says the Fed is putting the United States at a disadvantage. He also has complained about the Fed's efforts to reduce its massive holdings of securities, that were built up during the 2008 global financial crisis after rates were cut to zero in an attempt to shore up the ravaged economy. "We have the great currency, power, and balance sheet," he tweeted. While the Fed is not expecting a recession, trade frictions, as well as slower global growth and persistently low inflation, are among the "significant risks" that policymakers are watching, the Fed chair said during a conversation at the University of Zurich on Friday. The US economic landscape has shifted this year, as business investment has weakened noticeably, manufacturing has fallen into decline and job creation has slowed. And with other world economies slowing, the US dollar has strengthened as investors find a safe haven in purchases of US assets like government debt. The stronger dollar tends to make US exports more expensive. The Fed chair noted, however, that unemployment had remained near historic lows for about 18 months while wages were rising, fueling consumer spending. Powell, whom Trump promoted to Fed chairman last year, has reiterated that he and his Fed colleagues ignore such comments when they set monetary policy.

Bring interest rates down to zero, or less: Trump to Federal Reserve

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-says-real-peace-will-come-when-taliban-stop-violence-hold-direct-talks-248392">Taliban</a> said the US "will be harmed more than anyone" but left the door open for future negotiations Sunday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">President Donald Trump</a> abruptly announced that he had called off year-long talks to end America's longest war.

"We still... believe that the American side will come back to this position... Our fight for the past 18 years should have proven to the Americans that we will not be satisfied until we witness the complete end of the occupation," the group said in a statement released on Twitter by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

The statement said the insurgents had "finalised" a deal with the US that had been expected to allow Washington to begin withdrawing troops in exchange for security promises from the Taliban.

It added that both sides had been preparing for the deal to be announced and signed when Trump tweeted late Saturday that he had "called off peace negotiations".

Trump had cited a Taliban attack in Kabul on Thursday which killed 12 people including a US soldier as his reason for calling off the talks, including a secret meeting with the insurgents at Camp David in Maryland planned for this weekend.&nbsp;

But the Taliban dismissed his reasoning in their statement, saying it showed "neither experience nor patience", and accused the US of killing "hundreds of Afghans" in the fighting.&nbsp;

"Americans will be harmed more than any other," by Trump's decision, the statement said, adding that the US's "credibility will be harmed, their anti-peace stance will become more visible to the world, their casualties and financial losses will increase, and the US role in international political interaction will be discredited even further."

The Taliban said the US "will be harmed more than anyone" but left the door open for future negotiations Sunday after President Donald Trump abruptly announced that he had called off year-long talks to end America's longest war.

The Taliban said the US "will be harmed more than anyone" but left the door open for future negotiations Sunday after President Donald Trump abruptly announced that he had called off year-long talks to end America's longest war. "We still... believe that the American side will come back to this position... Our fight for the past 18 years should have proven to the Americans that we will not be satisfied until we witness the complete end of the occupation," the group said in a statement released on Twitter by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The statement said the insurgents had "finalised" a deal with the US that had been expected to allow Washington to begin withdrawing troops in exchange for security promises from the Taliban. It added that both sides had been preparing for the deal to be announced and signed when Trump tweeted late Saturday that he had "called off peace negotiations". Trump had cited a Taliban attack in Kabul on Thursday which killed 12 people including a US soldier as his reason for calling off the talks, including a secret meeting with the insurgents at Camp David in Maryland planned for this weekend. But the Taliban dismissed his reasoning in their statement, saying it showed "neither experience nor patience", and accused the US of killing "hundreds of Afghans" in the fighting. "Americans will be harmed more than any other," by Trump's decision, the statement said, adding that the US's "credibility will be harmed, their anti-peace stance will become more visible to the world, their casualties and financial losses will increase, and the US role in international political interaction will be discredited even further."

Taliban say US 'will be harmed more than anyone' after Trump halts talks

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tests-medium-range-cruise-missile-after-exiting-inf-treaty-244247">nuclear pact with the US</a> which ended last month.

"We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear."

Last month the US had tested a medium-range <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-set-to-deploy-new-weapons-as-cold-war-era-inf-treaty-ends-239966">ground-launched cruise missile</a>, just weeks after walking out the pact. The test occurred even as Russian President Putin urged the United States to begin new arms talks after the collapse of a Cold War nuclear pact between the two world powers.

Russia has blamed the Trump administration for unilaterally ending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty signed in 1987 between the then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. &nbsp;

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin while replying to a question said: "In case they are deployed in Japan and South Korea, we understand it will be done under a pretext of neutralising the threat from North Korea. But it also creates certain major problems for us because most likely these missile systems would cover a significant part of Russian territory including at the Far East."

"The fact that Pentagon chiefs said that the US plan to deploy them in Japan and South Korea does not make us happy, it is regrettable and causes some concern," the Russian president added.

However, Japanese President Shinzo Abe who was present at the forum denied the US had given any indication to deploy the missiles.

"I would like to make it clear that the US, of course, hasn't talked about deploying such missiles and there is no plan to do so," the Japanese president said.

Washington and NATO had accused Russia of developing the new 9M729 missile which they said violates the treaty, but Russia shot back saying that its range was&nbsp;short of 500 kilometres.

Putin had said earlier that if the US deploys new missiles, it "will be forced to begin the full-scale development of similar missiles". 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the nuclear pact with the US which ended last month. "We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the nuclear pact with the US which ended last month. "We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear." Last month the US had tested a medium-range ground-launched cruise missile, just weeks after walking out the pact. The test occurred even as Russian President Putin urged the United States to begin new arms talks after the collapse of a Cold War nuclear pact between the two world powers. Russia has blamed the Trump administration for unilaterally ending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty signed in 1987 between the then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin while replying to a question said: "In case they are deployed in Japan and South Korea, we understand it will be done under a pretext of neutralising the threat from North Korea. But it also creates certain major problems for us because most likely these missile systems would cover a significant part of Russian territory including at the Far East." "The fact that Pentagon chiefs said that the US plan to deploy them in Japan and South Korea does not make us happy, it is regrettable and causes some concern," the Russian president added. However, Japanese President Shinzo Abe who was present at the forum denied the US had given any indication to deploy the missiles. "I would like to make it clear that the US, of course, hasn't talked about deploying such missiles and there is no plan to do so," the Japanese president said. Washington and NATO had accused Russia of developing the new 9M729 missile which they said violates the treaty, but Russia shot back saying that its range was short of 500 kilometres. Putin had said earlier that if the US deploys new missiles, it "will be forced to begin the full-scale development of similar missiles".

Will produce same missiles as US cruise test but won't deploy: Putin

Most Asian markets fell on Monday as fresh Chinese and US tariffs on goods worth hundreds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-moving-ahead-with-new-tariffs-on-chinese-products-246926">billions of dollars kicked in</a>, though Donald Trump reiterated that the two sides were still due to hold talks this month.

Hong Kong was also weighed down by another weekend of violence, fuelling worries about possible Chinese intervention in the financial hub, while the unrest has also hit property firms and Macau's casinos.

Washington's latest levies on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apples-data-shows-a-deepening-dependence-on-china-as-trumps-tariffs-loom-246416"> imports from China</a> took effect on Sunday and were followed by Beijing's retaliation.

The measures are the latest in the long-running trade war between the world's top two economies, which has rattled markets and hit growth across the globe.

Still, Trump said negotiators would meet this month to discuss the issue. "We are talking to China, the meeting is still on," he told reporters.

However, analysts warned there was unlikely to be any end in the near term.

"After a rough August traders should buckle up for more volatility in September," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "Trade and tariffs continue to gnaw away at investor confidence."

Tokyo and Sydney each ended 0.4 per cent lower, while Singapore shed 0.8 per cent, with Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta also down.

But Shanghai rose more than one percent after a better-than-expected reading on Chinese factory activity, though another index showed the sector remained in contraction and investors remain uncertain about the outlook as the trade war bites deeper. There were also gains in Seoul, Wellington and Taipei.

Hong Kong sank 0.8 percent after a weekend that saw some of the worst violence since protests began three months ago, with the airport targeted again, and demonstrators have called for a general strike on Monday though there was little sign that had been heeded.

The unrest has dragged a range of sectors, with tourist numbers tumbling, hitting casinos and hotel chains, while real estate shares are also being sold off.

"Markets are fretting on the increased likelihood of direct Chinese intervention and what that would mean for the future of one of Asia's leading financial centres," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA.

"The answer is, not good, to put it bluntly. The economic impact will surely show in Hong Kong data going forward and may temper the mood of equity traders in Asia as the new month begins."

Oil prices extended Friday's steep losses owing to worries about the impact of the trade war on demand, while dealers were also concerned about reports that the Russian output cut last month fell short of an agreement with OPEC.

"A fissure is forming in OPEC+ compliance, which saw oil prices crater," said Stephen Innes, APAC Market Strategist at AxiTrader.

"On the surface, while it is not likely a significant divergence, it's the messaging that Russia is sending that spooks markets. While it could be little more than a tempest in an oil can at this stage, it's worth monitoring nonetheless."

Investors will be keeping an eye on markets in Argentina later in the day after the government imposed foreign-exchange controls on exporters following a week that saw a sharp drop in the peso.

In early trade London rose 0.3 per cent, with traders bracing for a tough week in Westminster as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces opposition from MPs across the political spectrum who have vowed legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit.

Also, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc will not change the divorce deal agreed with for PM Theresa May, fuelling expectations Britain will crash out with no agreement in place.

Paris and Frankfurt were both 0.1 per cent higher. 
&nbsp;

Most Asian markets fell on Monday as fresh Chinese and US tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars kicked in, though Donald Trump reiterated that the two sides were still due to hold talks this month.

Most Asian markets fell on Monday as fresh Chinese and US tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars kicked in, though Donald Trump reiterated that the two sides were still due to hold talks this month. Hong Kong was also weighed down by another weekend of violence, fuelling worries about possible Chinese intervention in the financial hub, while the unrest has also hit property firms and Macau's casinos. Washington's latest levies on imports from China took effect on Sunday and were followed by Beijing's retaliation. The measures are the latest in the long-running trade war between the world's top two economies, which has rattled markets and hit growth across the globe. Still, Trump said negotiators would meet this month to discuss the issue. "We are talking to China, the meeting is still on," he told reporters. However, analysts warned there was unlikely to be any end in the near term. "After a rough August traders should buckle up for more volatility in September," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "Trade and tariffs continue to gnaw away at investor confidence." Tokyo and Sydney each ended 0.4 per cent lower, while Singapore shed 0.8 per cent, with Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta also down. But Shanghai rose more than one percent after a better-than-expected reading on Chinese factory activity, though another index showed the sector remained in contraction and investors remain uncertain about the outlook as the trade war bites deeper. There were also gains in Seoul, Wellington and Taipei. Hong Kong sank 0.8 percent after a weekend that saw some of the worst violence since protests began three months ago, with the airport targeted again, and demonstrators have called for a general strike on Monday though there was little sign that had been heeded. The unrest has dragged a range of sectors, with tourist numbers tumbling, hitting casinos and hotel chains, while real estate shares are also being sold off. "Markets are fretting on the increased likelihood of direct Chinese intervention and what that would mean for the future of one of Asia's leading financial centres," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA. "The answer is, not good, to put it bluntly. The economic impact will surely show in Hong Kong data going forward and may temper the mood of equity traders in Asia as the new month begins." Oil prices extended Friday's steep losses owing to worries about the impact of the trade war on demand, while dealers were also concerned about reports that the Russian output cut last month fell short of an agreement with OPEC. "A fissure is forming in OPEC+ compliance, which saw oil prices crater," said Stephen Innes, APAC Market Strategist at AxiTrader. "On the surface, while it is not likely a significant divergence, it's the messaging that Russia is sending that spooks markets. While it could be little more than a tempest in an oil can at this stage, it's worth monitoring nonetheless." Investors will be keeping an eye on markets in Argentina later in the day after the government imposed foreign-exchange controls on exporters following a week that saw a sharp drop in the peso. In early trade London rose 0.3 per cent, with traders bracing for a tough week in Westminster as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces opposition from MPs across the political spectrum who have vowed legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit. Also, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc will not change the divorce deal agreed with for PM Theresa May, fuelling expectations Britain will crash out with no agreement in place. Paris and Frankfurt were both 0.1 per cent higher.

Asian markets down as China-US tariffs kick in

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-conflict-lack-of-trust-hobbling-the-ability-to-reach-a-deal-198533">China and the United States</a> began imposing additional tariffs on each other's goods on Sunday, the latest escalation in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-heightened-us-china-tensions-science-suffers-collateral-damage-228220">bruising trade war</a>, despite signs that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/signs-of-hope-as-donald-trump-says-us-china-trade-talks-back-on-245748&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwia2s3E8K7kAhUl73MBHdHSBDAQFjAFegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ERWpNggJdHuglmhX1o7lr">talks would resume </a>sometime this month.

A new round of tariffs took effect from 0401 GMT, with Beijing's levy of 5% on US crude marking the first time the fuel has been targeted since the world's two largest economies started their trade war more than a year ago.

The Trump administration will begin collecting 15% tariffs on more than $125 billion in Chinese imports, including smart speakers, Bluetooth headphones and many types of footwear.

In retaliation,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-is-making-china-stronger-234526&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwia2s3E8K7kAhUl73MBHdHSBDAQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Gf_BMvfr050lbCQW5O5ty"> China </a>started to impose additional tariffs on some of the US&nbsp;goods on a $75-billion target list. Beijing did not specify the value of the goods that face higher tariffs from Sunday.

The extra tariffs of 5% and 10% were levied on 1,717 items of a total of 5,078 products originating from the United States. Beijing will start collecting additional tariffs on the rest from December 15.

Chinese state media struck a defiant note.

"The United States should learn how to behave like a responsible global power and stop acting as a 'school bully'," the official Xinhua news agency said.

"As the world's only superpower, it needs to shoulder its due responsibility, and join other countries in making this world a better and more prosperous place. Only then can America become great again."

Tariffs could not impede China's development, said the official People's Daily of the ruling Communist Party.

"China's booming economy has made China a fertile ground for investment that foreign companies cannot ignore," it said, in a commentary under the name 'Zhong Sheng', or 'Voice of China', which is often used to state its view on foreign policy issues.

Last month, US President Donald Trump said he was increasing existing and planned tariffs by 5% on about $550-billion worth of Chinese imports after Beijing announced its own retaliatory tariffs on US goods.

Tariffs of 15% on cellphones, laptop computers, toys and clothing are to take effect on December 15.

The US Trade Representative's Office said on Thursday it would collect public comments through September&nbsp;20 on a planned tariff increase to 30% on a $250-billion list of goods already hit with a 25% tariff.

Trade teams from China and the United States continue to talk and will meet in September, but tariff hikes on Chinese goods set to go in place on Sunday will not be delayed, Trump has said.

For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access.

China has consistently denied Washington's accusations that it engages in unfair trade practices, vowing to fight back in kind and criticising US measures as protectionist.

China has pressed the United States to cancel the tariff increase but said last week that a September round of talks was being discussed between the two.

The trade war further strains Beijing-Washington ties, already overshadowed by US&nbsp;freedom of navigation exercises near Chinese-occupied islands in the disputed South China Sea, and US support for self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

China and the United States began imposing additional tariffs on each other's goods on Sunday, the latest escalation in a bruising trade war, despite signs that talks would resume sometime this month.

China and the United States began imposing additional tariffs on each other's goods on Sunday, the latest escalation in a bruising trade war, despite signs that talks would resume sometime this month. A new round of tariffs took effect from 0401 GMT, with Beijing's levy of 5% on US crude marking the first time the fuel has been targeted since the world's two largest economies started their trade war more than a year ago. The Trump administration will begin collecting 15% tariffs on more than $125 billion in Chinese imports, including smart speakers, Bluetooth headphones and many types of footwear. In retaliation, China started to impose additional tariffs on some of the US goods on a $75-billion target list. Beijing did not specify the value of the goods that face higher tariffs from Sunday. The extra tariffs of 5% and 10% were levied on 1,717 items of a total of 5,078 products originating from the United States. Beijing will start collecting additional tariffs on the rest from December 15. Chinese state media struck a defiant note. "The United States should learn how to behave like a responsible global power and stop acting as a 'school bully'," the official Xinhua news agency said. "As the world's only superpower, it needs to shoulder its due responsibility, and join other countries in making this world a better and more prosperous place. Only then can America become great again." Tariffs could not impede China's development, said the official People's Daily of the ruling Communist Party. "China's booming economy has made China a fertile ground for investment that foreign companies cannot ignore," it said, in a commentary under the name 'Zhong Sheng', or 'Voice of China', which is often used to state its view on foreign policy issues. Last month, US President Donald Trump said he was increasing existing and planned tariffs by 5% on about $550-billion worth of Chinese imports after Beijing announced its own retaliatory tariffs on US goods. Tariffs of 15% on cellphones, laptop computers, toys and clothing are to take effect on December 15. The US Trade Representative's Office said on Thursday it would collect public comments through September 20 on a planned tariff increase to 30% on a $250-billion list of goods already hit with a 25% tariff. Trade teams from China and the United States continue to talk and will meet in September, but tariff hikes on Chinese goods set to go in place on Sunday will not be delayed, Trump has said. For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access. China has consistently denied Washington's accusations that it engages in unfair trade practices, vowing to fight back in kind and criticising US measures as protectionist. China has pressed the United States to cancel the tariff increase but said last week that a September round of talks was being discussed between the two. The trade war further strains Beijing-Washington ties, already overshadowed by US freedom of navigation exercises near Chinese-occupied islands in the disputed South China Sea, and US support for self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

China, US kick off new round of tariffs  on each other's goods

A recent remark by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about "North Korea's rogue behaviour" would make talks with the United States more difficult, the North's KCNA news agency on Saturday quoted its vice foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, as saying.

"Pompeo has gone so far in his language and it made the opening of the expected North Korea-US working-level negotiations more difficult," Choe said in statement.

Choe also warned that North Korea's expectation of dialogue with the United States are gradually disappearing and the country is being pushed to reexamine all the measures.

Talks aimed at dismantling the North's nuclear and missile programmes have stalled since a failed second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi in February.

A recent remark by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about "North Korea's rogue behaviour" would make talks with the United States more difficult, the North's KCNA news agency on Saturday quoted its vice foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, as saying.

A recent remark by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about "North Korea's rogue behaviour" would make talks with the United States more difficult, the North's KCNA news agency on Saturday quoted its vice foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, as saying. "Pompeo has gone so far in his language and it made the opening of the expected North Korea-US working-level negotiations more difficult," Choe said in statement. Choe also warned that North Korea's expectation of dialogue with the United States are gradually disappearing and the country is being pushed to reexamine all the measures. Talks aimed at dismantling the North's nuclear and missile programmes have stalled since a failed second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi in February.

North Korea says Pompeo remark would make talks with US more difficult

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said that Washington had nothing to do in Iran`s failed attempt to launch a satellite into space and wished Tehran "good luck" in finding out what went wrong.

Trump tweeted what seems to be an image of the site of the failed satellite launch by Iran.

"The United States of America was not involved in the catastrophic accident during final launch preparations for the Safir SLV Launch at Semnan Launch Site One in Iran. I wish Iran best wishes and good luck in determining what happened at Site One," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Satellite imagery shared by NPR on Thursday showed that an Iranian rocket appeared to have exploded on the launch pad while attempting to launch a satellite into orbit.&nbsp;

The incident marked Iran`s third failed attempt this year to launch a rocket.

Plans to conduct three space launches were announced by the Iranian Defence Ministry earlier this year.

Since the rockets incorporate the same technology used for missiles, Washington has argued that the launches violate a United Nations Security Council resolution, which states that Tehran cannot undertake any activity related to Ballistic missiles, reported the Hill.

Iran on its part has denied that its space program is a cover for weapons development, maintaining that the program is peaceful.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said that Washington had nothing to do in Iran`s failed attempt to launch a satellite into space and wished Tehran "good luck" in finding out what went wrong.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said that Washington had nothing to do in Iran`s failed attempt to launch a satellite into space and wished Tehran "good luck" in finding out what went wrong. Trump tweeted what seems to be an image of the site of the failed satellite launch by Iran. "The United States of America was not involved in the catastrophic accident during final launch preparations for the Safir SLV Launch at Semnan Launch Site One in Iran. I wish Iran best wishes and good luck in determining what happened at Site One," Trump wrote on Twitter. Satellite imagery shared by NPR on Thursday showed that an Iranian rocket appeared to have exploded on the launch pad while attempting to launch a satellite into orbit. The incident marked Iran`s third failed attempt this year to launch a rocket. Plans to conduct three space launches were announced by the Iranian Defence Ministry earlier this year. Since the rockets incorporate the same technology used for missiles, Washington has argued that the launches violate a United Nations Security Council resolution, which states that Tehran cannot undertake any activity related to Ballistic missiles, reported the Hill. Iran on its part has denied that its space program is a cover for weapons development, maintaining that the program is peaceful.

Trump says US 'not involved' in failed Iranian satellite launch

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-drop-troop-level-but-permanent-presence-to-remain-in-afghanistan-trump-246453">Donald Trump</a> established on Thursday the United States Space Command, a program that was first established during the height of the Cold War.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-chinas-plans-to-disrupt-gps-through-asat-in-2020-beyond-206321">In pics: How China plans to disrupt GPS through ASAT in 2020 &amp; beyond</a> 
&nbsp;

Trump announced in the Rose Garden, flanked by US Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mike Esper and the newly appointed head of Space Command, US Air Force General John Raymond.

Trump said Space Command would "defend America's vital interests in space, the next war-fighting domain."

Watch: Trump inches closer to a 'space force'

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"Our adversaries are weaponizing Earth's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites that are critical to both battlefield operations and our way of life at home. Our freedom to operate in space is also essential to detecting and destroying any missile launched against the United States," said Trump.

Space Command was originally established in 1985 by the Air Force to coordinate defense efforts amid the Cold War. In 2002, Space Command was merged into the unified Strategic Command to focus on the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Trump added that Space Command would be followed by the establishment of the Space Force, " the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces," he said.&nbsp;

Creating a new military branch requires congressional approval and the House and Senate are expected to take up the issue when they return from their August recess.

US President Donald Trump established on Thursday the United States Space Command, a program that was first established during the height of the Cold War. In pics: How China plans to disrupt GPS through ASAT in 2020 & beyond Trump announced in the Rose Garden, flanked by US Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mike Esper and the newly appointed head of Space Command, US Air Force General John Raymond.

US President Donald Trump established on Thursday the United States Space Command, a program that was first established during the height of the Cold War. In pics: How China plans to disrupt GPS through ASAT in 2020 & beyond Trump announced in the Rose Garden, flanked by US Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Mike Esper and the newly appointed head of Space Command, US Air Force General John Raymond. Trump said Space Command would "defend America's vital interests in space, the next war-fighting domain." Watch: Trump inches closer to a 'space force' × "Our adversaries are weaponizing Earth's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites that are critical to both battlefield operations and our way of life at home. Our freedom to operate in space is also essential to detecting and destroying any missile launched against the United States," said Trump. Space Command was originally established in 1985 by the Air Force to coordinate defense efforts amid the Cold War. In 2002, Space Command was merged into the unified Strategic Command to focus on the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Trump added that Space Command would be followed by the establishment of the Space Force, " the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces," he said. Creating a new military branch requires congressional approval and the House and Senate are expected to take up the issue when they return from their August recess.

Donald Trump establishes US Space Command, says space to be 'next war-fighting domain'

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-near-agreement-on-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-246210"> Taliban</a> and that a permanent presence will remain.

"We're going down to 8,600 and then we make a determination from there," Trump said in an interview with Fox News radio. "We're always going to have a presence."

Trump also said that if an attack on the United States originated from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-deal-will-not-stop-attacks-on-afghan-forces-some-taliban-say-245828"> Afghanistan</a> "we would come back with a force like... never before."

The United States, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.

Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -&nbsp;ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls next year.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain. "We're going down to 8,600 and then we make a determination from there," Trump said in an interview with Fox News radio. "We're always going to have a presence." Trump also said that if an attack on the United States originated from Afghanistan "we would come back with a force like... never before." The United States, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 - ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls next year.

Will drop troop level but permanent presence to remain in Afghanistan: Trump

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